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 61-80 of 471 results.
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ID:
130
Year: 2005
Name: Bernadette Baker
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): College Algebra
Title of Talk: A Unified Representation of Function
Abstract: The researchers have built a theoretical model of student development of function using the APOS paradigm. Students have difficulty with this concept because of the inability to recognize the common feature of the traditional function representations (analytic, graphical and tabular). By providing techniques for standard operations that focus attention on the defining feature of function (the association of input with output), the researchers hope to rectify this problem in student learning. This representation will be explained; one researcher has piloted this approach successfully and initial results will be reported.
Year: 2005
Name: Bernadette Baker
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): College Algebra
Title of Talk: A Unified Representation of Function
Abstract: The researchers have built a theoretical model of student development of function using the APOS paradigm. Students have difficulty with this concept because of the inability to recognize the common feature of the traditional function representations (analytic, graphical and tabular). By providing techniques for standard operations that focus attention on the defining feature of function (the association of input with output), the researchers hope to rectify this problem in student learning. This representation will be explained; one researcher has piloted this approach successfully and initial results will be reported.
ID:
131
Year: 2005
Name: K Stroyan
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Trig and basic calculus
Title of Talk: Retinal disparity via computer
Abstract: The horizontal separation of our eyes causes the image each eye receives to fall on a slightly different portion of the retina. This difference is called "retinal disparity" and has been studied extensively for its relation to depth perception. (This kind of depth perception is called stereopsis. Helmholtz' book in 1910 is an old "standard" reference to this) Recently a psychologist friend mentioned that he was studying how retinal disparity changes as a driver views two objects off to the side of the road. He also mentioned that most of his colleagues are "math-o-phobic" and used rather coarse approximations to retinal disparity. I wrote a Mathematica animation to show the motion of the eyes of a driver and compute the time derivative of retinal disparity. We corresponded sending graphs via email until I had a start at what interests the scientists. The math is simple vector geometry with some arc tangents, but it is a little messy, so I didn't immediately look at the formulas. When I did, I had a surprise. And I believe the surprise means we could train better users of mathematics if we worked towards better integration of modern computing in basic math. We hope to build a web-Mathematica site for psychologists to use for their computations.
Year: 2005
Name: K Stroyan
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Trig and basic calculus
Title of Talk: Retinal disparity via computer
Abstract: The horizontal separation of our eyes causes the image each eye receives to fall on a slightly different portion of the retina. This difference is called "retinal disparity" and has been studied extensively for its relation to depth perception. (This kind of depth perception is called stereopsis. Helmholtz' book in 1910 is an old "standard" reference to this) Recently a psychologist friend mentioned that he was studying how retinal disparity changes as a driver views two objects off to the side of the road. He also mentioned that most of his colleagues are "math-o-phobic" and used rather coarse approximations to retinal disparity. I wrote a Mathematica animation to show the motion of the eyes of a driver and compute the time derivative of retinal disparity. We corresponded sending graphs via email until I had a start at what interests the scientists. The math is simple vector geometry with some arc tangents, but it is a little messy, so I didn't immediately look at the formulas. When I did, I had a surprise. And I believe the surprise means we could train better users of mathematics if we worked towards better integration of modern computing in basic math. We hope to build a web-Mathematica site for psychologists to use for their computations.
ID:
132
Year: 2005
Name: Al Hibbard
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A tour of the new website for the IA section of the MAA
Abstract: This will be an overview of some of the new features that are available for members of the IA section of the MAA including looking at accessing the section database. Part of the talk will be particularly relevant for officers and liaisons.
Year: 2005
Name: Al Hibbard
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A tour of the new website for the IA section of the MAA
Abstract: This will be an overview of some of the new features that are available for members of the IA section of the MAA including looking at accessing the section database. Part of the talk will be particularly relevant for officers and liaisons.
ID:
133
Year: 2005
Name: Phil Wood
Institution:
Subject area(s): Calculus
Title of Talk: Simple Teaching of Differential Calculus
Abstract: Calculus may be taught more understandably by first describing its practical uses and then presenting it as simple algebra and geometry. In doing this all mention of infinitesimals, increments, theory of limits and formal proofs has been eliminated.
Year: 2005
Name: Phil Wood
Institution:
Subject area(s): Calculus
Title of Talk: Simple Teaching of Differential Calculus
Abstract: Calculus may be taught more understandably by first describing its practical uses and then presenting it as simple algebra and geometry. In doing this all mention of infinitesimals, increments, theory of limits and formal proofs has been eliminated.
ID:
134
Year: 2005
Name: Calvin Van Niewaal
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s): roundtable
Title of Talk: MAA Strategic Planning
Abstract: One of the issues that has been targeted for the first round of the MAA
Year: 2005
Name: Calvin Van Niewaal
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s): roundtable
Title of Talk: MAA Strategic Planning
Abstract: One of the issues that has been targeted for the first round of the MAA
ID:
135
Year: 2005
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Non-Major Mathematics Courses
Title of Talk: Mathematics and Civic Engagement
Abstract: Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities (SENCER) is a comprehensive national dissemination project funded by the National Science Foundation. This presentation will be an introduction to SENCER followed by some discussion issues specific to mathematics. The goal of SENCER is to engage student interest in the sciences and mathematics by supporting the development of undergraduate courses and academic programs that teach
Year: 2005
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Non-Major Mathematics Courses
Title of Talk: Mathematics and Civic Engagement
Abstract: Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities (SENCER) is a comprehensive national dissemination project funded by the National Science Foundation. This presentation will be an introduction to SENCER followed by some discussion issues specific to mathematics. The goal of SENCER is to engage student interest in the sciences and mathematics by supporting the development of undergraduate courses and academic programs that teach
ID:
136
Year: 2005
Name: David Bressoud
Institution: Macalester College
Subject area(s): Mathematics Curriculum
Title of Talk: Undergraduate Programs and Courses in the Mathematical Sciences: CUPM Curriculum Guide 2004
Abstract: The MAA's Committee on the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics (CUPM) is charged with making recommendations to guide mathematics departments in designing curricula for their undergraduate students. The CUPM Curriculum Guide 2004, published last Fall provides an up-to-date perspective on the mathematics curriculum for many different student audiences, including of course our own majors. This session will be a presentation followed by a question and answer session with committee member David Bressoud from Macalester College. Free copies of the Guide and Curriculum Foundations Project will be available for those who come to the session.
Year: 2005
Name: David Bressoud
Institution: Macalester College
Subject area(s): Mathematics Curriculum
Title of Talk: Undergraduate Programs and Courses in the Mathematical Sciences: CUPM Curriculum Guide 2004
Abstract: The MAA's Committee on the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics (CUPM) is charged with making recommendations to guide mathematics departments in designing curricula for their undergraduate students. The CUPM Curriculum Guide 2004, published last Fall provides an up-to-date perspective on the mathematics curriculum for many different student audiences, including of course our own majors. This session will be a presentation followed by a question and answer session with committee member David Bressoud from Macalester College. Free copies of the Guide and Curriculum Foundations Project will be available for those who come to the session.
ID:
137
Year: 2005
Name: Christian Roettger
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Number Theory
Title of Talk: Prime divisors of Mersenne numbers and Dirichlet series
Abstract: Mersenne numbers are the numbers 1, 3, 7, 15, ... 2^n - 1, ... It is a long-standing conjecture that this sequence contains infinitely many primes. We show how to get some asymptotic results on the 'average' prime divisor of Mersenne numbers using Dirichlet series. These series are useful for asymptotic counting, because there is a close link between their domain of convergence and the growth of their coefficients. Do not expect a big breakthrough, but a pretty result, few technicalities, and some exciting open questions.
Year: 2005
Name: Christian Roettger
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Number Theory
Title of Talk: Prime divisors of Mersenne numbers and Dirichlet series
Abstract: Mersenne numbers are the numbers 1, 3, 7, 15, ... 2^n - 1, ... It is a long-standing conjecture that this sequence contains infinitely many primes. We show how to get some asymptotic results on the 'average' prime divisor of Mersenne numbers using Dirichlet series. These series are useful for asymptotic counting, because there is a close link between their domain of convergence and the growth of their coefficients. Do not expect a big breakthrough, but a pretty result, few technicalities, and some exciting open questions.
ID:
138
Year: 2005
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Encouraging Undergraduate Mathematics Majors
Abstract: This year we have three opportunities for our undergraduate majors, but they are on three consecutive weekends in April. Almost all departments have some sort of math club, but we don
Year: 2005
Name: Mariah Birgen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Encouraging Undergraduate Mathematics Majors
Abstract: This year we have three opportunities for our undergraduate majors, but they are on three consecutive weekends in April. Almost all departments have some sort of math club, but we don
ID:
143
Year: 2006
Name: Mark Mills
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Using NASCAR to Illustrate Optimization
Abstract: Over the past several years, the authors have taken part in a Fantasy NASCAR league. For each race, we were required to
Year: 2006
Name: Mark Mills
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Using NASCAR to Illustrate Optimization
Abstract: Over the past several years, the authors have taken part in a Fantasy NASCAR league. For each race, we were required to
ID:
144
Year: 2006
Name: Dave L. Renfro
Institution: ACT Inc.
Subject area(s): transcendental equations
Title of Talk: The Remarkable Equation tan(x) = x
Abstract: Although tan(x) = x is virtually the prototypical example for solving an equation by graphical methods, and this equation frequently appears in calculus texts as an example of Newton's method, there seems to be nothing in the literature that surveys what is known about its solutions. In this talk I will look at some appearances of this equation in elementary calculus, some appearances of this equation in more advanced areas (quantum mechanics, heat conduction, etc.), the fact that this equation has no nonreal solutions and that all of its nonzero solutions are transcendental, and some curious infinite sums involving its solutions. In addition, I will discuss some of the history behind this equation, including contributions by Euler (1748), Fourier (1807), Cauchy (1827), and Rayleigh (1874, 1877).
Year: 2006
Name: Dave L. Renfro
Institution: ACT Inc.
Subject area(s): transcendental equations
Title of Talk: The Remarkable Equation tan(x) = x
Abstract: Although tan(x) = x is virtually the prototypical example for solving an equation by graphical methods, and this equation frequently appears in calculus texts as an example of Newton's method, there seems to be nothing in the literature that surveys what is known about its solutions. In this talk I will look at some appearances of this equation in elementary calculus, some appearances of this equation in more advanced areas (quantum mechanics, heat conduction, etc.), the fact that this equation has no nonreal solutions and that all of its nonzero solutions are transcendental, and some curious infinite sums involving its solutions. In addition, I will discuss some of the history behind this equation, including contributions by Euler (1748), Fourier (1807), Cauchy (1827), and Rayleigh (1874, 1877).
ID:
145
Year: 2006
Name: Michael Larsen
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Statistics, Teaching Statistics
Title of Talk: Teaching Mathematical Probability and Statistics with Internet Applications and R
Abstract: Courses in mathematical statistics can use Internet applications and simulation using the R statistical package to enhance the learning experience. Internet material has been developed for introductory probability and statistics courses and for teaching mathematics at the level of calculus. In order to adapt this material to an intermediate undergraduate probability course, it is necessary to select material to use and incorporate it into lecture, homework assignments, and study problems. The R statistical package is a free software package that can be used for simulation, includes functions related to many probability distributions, and can be used to produce nice graphical displays. Using R in a calculus-based probability course requires writing problems for homework assignments, in-class use, and review that make substantial use of simulation and R
Year: 2006
Name: Michael Larsen
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Statistics, Teaching Statistics
Title of Talk: Teaching Mathematical Probability and Statistics with Internet Applications and R
Abstract: Courses in mathematical statistics can use Internet applications and simulation using the R statistical package to enhance the learning experience. Internet material has been developed for introductory probability and statistics courses and for teaching mathematics at the level of calculus. In order to adapt this material to an intermediate undergraduate probability course, it is necessary to select material to use and incorporate it into lecture, homework assignments, and study problems. The R statistical package is a free software package that can be used for simulation, includes functions related to many probability distributions, and can be used to produce nice graphical displays. Using R in a calculus-based probability course requires writing problems for homework assignments, in-class use, and review that make substantial use of simulation and R
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:
147
Year: 2006
Name: Scott Wood
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Bayesian statistics, spatial statistics, medical geography
Title of Talk: Model Fitting and Selection for County-Level Depression Hospitalization Rates Using Bayesian Statistical Methods
Abstract: Researchers in the health sciences are interested in identifying and modeling the risk factors that are associated with high rates of hospitalization for depression. Being able to identify U.S. counties with high standardized hospitalization rates (SHR) would be useful in allocating federal resources. This project analyzes and critiques three potential Bayesian statistical models that can be implemented using WinBUGS software. Ordinary least squares, Poisson regression, and Bayesian conditional autoregressive (CAR) models are considered in detail. Though each has its advantages and disadvantages, qualitative and quantitative evidence suggest that the Bayesian CAR model is the optimal choice for this data. While a Bayesian CAR model will be shown to account for spatial autocorrelation and Poisson response variables, it was not as reliable as hoped for making accurate predictions at the county level.
Year: 2006
Name: Scott Wood
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Bayesian statistics, spatial statistics, medical geography
Title of Talk: Model Fitting and Selection for County-Level Depression Hospitalization Rates Using Bayesian Statistical Methods
Abstract: Researchers in the health sciences are interested in identifying and modeling the risk factors that are associated with high rates of hospitalization for depression. Being able to identify U.S. counties with high standardized hospitalization rates (SHR) would be useful in allocating federal resources. This project analyzes and critiques three potential Bayesian statistical models that can be implemented using WinBUGS software. Ordinary least squares, Poisson regression, and Bayesian conditional autoregressive (CAR) models are considered in detail. Though each has its advantages and disadvantages, qualitative and quantitative evidence suggest that the Bayesian CAR model is the optimal choice for this data. While a Bayesian CAR model will be shown to account for spatial autocorrelation and Poisson response variables, it was not as reliable as hoped for making accurate predictions at the county level.
ID:
148
Year: 2006
Name: Alfredo Villanueva
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Differential Geometry
Title of Talk: Prolongations on a Riemannian Manifold
Abstract: Traditionally the method of prolongations is carry out by algebraic manipulations which become very complex, especially in cases of partial differential equations on curved spaces, here we are applying some results from representation theory and differential operators to have a systematic method that allow us to close some overdetermined systems on a Riemannian manifold.
Year: 2006
Name: Alfredo Villanueva
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Differential Geometry
Title of Talk: Prolongations on a Riemannian Manifold
Abstract: Traditionally the method of prolongations is carry out by algebraic manipulations which become very complex, especially in cases of partial differential equations on curved spaces, here we are applying some results from representation theory and differential operators to have a systematic method that allow us to close some overdetermined systems on a Riemannian manifold.
ID:
149
Year: 2006
Name: Zhongming WANG
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: computing multivalued velocity and electric field of 1D Euler-Poisson equation
Abstract: We develop a level set method for the computation of multi-valued velocity and electric fields of one-dimensional Euler-Poisson equations. The sys- tem of these equations arises in the semiclassical approximation of Schrodinger- Poisson equations and semiconductor modeling. This method uses an implicit Eulerian formulation in an extended space | called field space, which incorpo- rates both velocity and electric fields into the configuration space. Multi-valued velocity and electric fields are captured through common zeros of two level set functions, which solve a linear homogeneous transport equation in the field space. Numerical examples are presented to validate the proposed level set method.
Year: 2006
Name: Zhongming WANG
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: computing multivalued velocity and electric field of 1D Euler-Poisson equation
Abstract: We develop a level set method for the computation of multi-valued velocity and electric fields of one-dimensional Euler-Poisson equations. The sys- tem of these equations arises in the semiclassical approximation of Schrodinger- Poisson equations and semiconductor modeling. This method uses an implicit Eulerian formulation in an extended space | called field space, which incorpo- rates both velocity and electric fields into the configuration space. Multi-valued velocity and electric fields are captured through common zeros of two level set functions, which solve a linear homogeneous transport equation in the field space. Numerical examples are presented to validate the proposed level set method.
ID:
150
Year: 2006
Name: Joseph Keller
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): functional analysis
Title of Talk: "Convergence depth": proof of the nonrotation and nontranslation of galaxies
Abstract: HC Arp (Max Planck Inst.) amassed evidence that most large redshift is intrinsic, not due to motion or expansion. WG Tifft (Univ. of Arizona) says that redshift periods, large and small, suggest abandoning the motion/expansion hypothesis altogether. "Convergence depth", a phenomenon studied by this author since 2002, means that the average velocity over successive shells of galaxies, converges in a mere 400 M lt yr, to the apparent velocity ("anisotropy") of the sources of the cosmic microwave background ("CMB"). The shape of the convergence depth curve, and the observed 400 M lt yr period of galaxy distribution, suggest that Hubble's parameter varies sinusoidally along the axis of the CMB anisotropy, with half-period 400 M lt yr. Taylor series extrapolation of the convergence depth curve to the origin, then shows that the velocity of the sun relative to distant galaxies is about equal to its velocity relative to nearby stars. Galaxies neither rotate nor translate. "Dark matter" need not exist. Oort's law is not due to motion. An absolute frame of reference (Maxwell/FitzGerald ether?) is supported. DC Miller (Case Univ.) found that apparent "ether drift" agrees, in its component parallel to Earth's axis, with the solar apex motion, i.e., motion in the extragalactic frame.
Year: 2006
Name: Joseph Keller
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): functional analysis
Title of Talk: "Convergence depth": proof of the nonrotation and nontranslation of galaxies
Abstract: HC Arp (Max Planck Inst.) amassed evidence that most large redshift is intrinsic, not due to motion or expansion. WG Tifft (Univ. of Arizona) says that redshift periods, large and small, suggest abandoning the motion/expansion hypothesis altogether. "Convergence depth", a phenomenon studied by this author since 2002, means that the average velocity over successive shells of galaxies, converges in a mere 400 M lt yr, to the apparent velocity ("anisotropy") of the sources of the cosmic microwave background ("CMB"). The shape of the convergence depth curve, and the observed 400 M lt yr period of galaxy distribution, suggest that Hubble's parameter varies sinusoidally along the axis of the CMB anisotropy, with half-period 400 M lt yr. Taylor series extrapolation of the convergence depth curve to the origin, then shows that the velocity of the sun relative to distant galaxies is about equal to its velocity relative to nearby stars. Galaxies neither rotate nor translate. "Dark matter" need not exist. Oort's law is not due to motion. An absolute frame of reference (Maxwell/FitzGerald ether?) is supported. DC Miller (Case Univ.) found that apparent "ether drift" agrees, in its component parallel to Earth's axis, with the solar apex motion, i.e., motion in the extragalactic frame.
ID:
151
Year: 2006
Name: Wolfgang Kliemann
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): calculus, differential equations, analysis, dynamical systems
Title of Talk: Global Dynamics and Chaos
Abstract: Global Dynamics and Chaos Wolfgang Kliemann Department of Mathematics, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, U.S.A. February 27, 2006 Abstract We discuss dynamical systems given by a time set - in our case the real line R, a state space M - a compact subset of Rd or a compact metric space, a continuous map : R M ��! M with two properties (0; x) = x for all x 2 M (t + s; x) = (t; (s; x)) for all x 2 M, all t; s 2 R. Typical examples are solutions of (time-homogeneous) di
Year: 2006
Name: Wolfgang Kliemann
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): calculus, differential equations, analysis, dynamical systems
Title of Talk: Global Dynamics and Chaos
Abstract: Global Dynamics and Chaos Wolfgang Kliemann Department of Mathematics, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, U.S.A. February 27, 2006 Abstract We discuss dynamical systems given by a time set - in our case the real line R, a state space M - a compact subset of Rd or a compact metric space, a continuous map : R M ��! M with two properties (0; x) = x for all x 2 M (t + s; x) = (t; (s; x)) for all x 2 M, all t; s 2 R. Typical examples are solutions of (time-homogeneous) di
ID:
152
Year: 2006
Name: Kunlun Liu
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): PDE
Title of Talk: Existence of strong solution for a class of nonlinear parabolic systems
Abstract: This paper deals with the local and global existence of the strong solution for a class of nonlinear parabolic PDEs in the domain [0,T]
Year: 2006
Name: Kunlun Liu
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): PDE
Title of Talk: Existence of strong solution for a class of nonlinear parabolic systems
Abstract: This paper deals with the local and global existence of the strong solution for a class of nonlinear parabolic PDEs in the domain [0,T]
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