Items

• Elliptic Curves: How The National Security Agency Hacked Our E-mail
  Elliptic Curves will be explored from a mathematical perspective as well as from a cryptographic perspective, where they have important applications to modern information security. We will address what elliptic curves are, explore integer and rational solutions to elliptic curves, and explain how the National Security Agency hacked our e-mail. A computer program written in Octave will be used throughout to elucidate these concepts.
• Repunits: Natural Numbers In Which Every Digit Is A One
  A repunit (a contraction of 'repeating units') is a natural number in which every digit is a one. This talk will discuss two interesting properties that are related to repunits and prime numbers. The first property is the fact that every prime number, other than two and five, is a factor of at least one repunit. The second is that each repunit is divisible by a prime that does not divide any smaller repunit. This talk will conclude with some statements of unsolved questions involving repunits and some possible ways of approaching them.
• Investigating Criminal Intent with Mobile Botnets
  Over the last few years there has been a convergence of human activities using mobile computing with devices such as tablets or smartphones. This research will investigate one of the biggest criminal security threats called a mobile botnet, responsible for criminal activities known as distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. DDoS attacks attempt to make a machine or network resource unavailable to its intended users. A mobile botnet refers to a collection of infected mobile devices (bots) that interact to accomplish some distributed task (DDoS attack) for illegal purposes. The bots are controlled by an attacker (botmaster) through various command and control channels implemented by mobile applications. In this research, we will first simulate a mobile botnet system called mongoose running on mobile devices. Thereafter, the communications between the botmaster and bots using the mongoose application in order to understand DDoS attacks targeted towards a centralized business or academic server.
• Whose Life Matters: Social Contradictions In The U.S. About The Sanctity Of Life
  How do Americans decide whose life is sacred and whose life is not? Data from the 2012 General Social Survey (GSS) documents that a majority of Americans who oppose abortion for any reason also support capital punishment. The issues of abortion and capital punishment continue to be hotly contested among Americans. After a review of the literature, theoretically based hypotheses that are key to understanding the seemingly contradictory opposition to abortion and support of capital punishment were formulated. The quantitative method Chi Squared was used to test the hypotheses with the 2012 GSS data. This secondary data analysis illuminates social factors that lead to opposition for abortion and support for the death penalty in the U.S. The social factors considered include: level of fundamentalism, political party, political ideology, education, and age.
• Queering Sexuality and Relationship Education: A practical way to integrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning youth into Sexuality Education in the United States
  This research proposes policy changes for sexuality and relationship education in the United States. Whether or not sexuality and relationship education should be included in middle and high school curricula, and what sexuality and relationship education should entail, are both highly contested questions. With the recent progress towards welcoming gay marriage within the U.S., it is important for educators to recognize multiple sexualities and genders as respectable within our society. Only twelve states require that sexual orientation be addressed in sexual education, and of these states, nine require inclusive sexual education while three require exclusively negative information about homosexuality. This research addresses the lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) student body specifically in sexuality and relationship education, pointing out that their needs often overlap considerably with the necessities of heterosexual youth. Policy changes to address these needs include comprehensive sexuality and relationship education including multiple sexualities and gender identities.
• Perceptions And Practices Of Sustainability Within Keene, New Hampshire
  This research involved a study of sustainability initiatives employed by Keene State College and throughout the City of Keene. Interviews of college employees and city officials were conducted to ascertain what initiatives are currently being implemented by Keene State College and the City of Keene. Downtown business owners and managers were surveyed to determine their current sustainability practices. Business survey results were incorporated into a student survey designed to gauge student perceptions of sustainability. Analyses of data resulting from student surveys demonstrate that students perceive sustainability initiatives as important and influential to their behavior. Maps were developed to highlight sustainability efforts across campus and downtown Keene. Findings were compiled into a comprehensive sustainability profile to inform the public what sustainability actions are being taken in our community. Overall findings demonstrate that Keene State College and the City of Keene are incorporating numerous sustainability initiatives into their respective master plans.
• The Ashuelot Rail-Trail: The Art Of Commuting
  Many commuters ride their bicycles to get their destinations. Rail-trails, former railroad beds converted to pedestrian and bicycle trails, may prove to be viable routes for bicycle commuters. With the collaboration of Southwest Region Planning Commission, our group assessed baseline characteristics of the Ashuelot Rail-Trail (ART) in southern New Hampshire and collected information about the potential of the ART as a commuter pathway. Data were collected using several methods. Trail attribute data were obtained using GPS receivers and trail assessment forms. Trail user data were collected using on-trail comment cards and through off-trail surveys to local residents. Community stakeholders were interviewed to provide contextual information. We synthesized the results of our research to gain a greater understanding about the commuting viability of the ART. Our group discovered that the ART is widely underutilized as a commuter pathway, despite its relatively good physical condition.
• x + x: Women in Mathematics
  Today's education system puts a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, often referred to as STEM subjects. However, despite the emphasis put on these fields for all students in higher education and careers, these STEM disciplines are often dominated by men. Referencing case studies and surveys, this presentation explores potential reasons for why women are not as well represented in careers in mathematics, such as negative stereotyping, lack of positive support, and societal pressures. This presentation also suggests how to encourage girls to pursue this area of study and profiles prominent female mathematicians as examples of potential role models for girls.
• The Interactive Mathematics Program: An Imp-Pressive Reform
  In this talk, we will elaborate on a recent change in the high school Mathematics classroom, the Interactive Mathematics Program. More specifically, we will look at some background, why this change in education was needed, and how a high school IMP classroom is executed.
• Rocks, Paper, Pixels: Exploring Geographic Education In The Granite State
  Since 2004, the NH Geographic Alliance has made a New Hampshire paper atlas and accompanying lesson plans available to teachers and students across the state. Each lesson plan goes along with one or more pages of the atlas and helps students gain an understanding of geographic maps. In 2014, the NHGA released a digital edition of the atlas. With the need to prepare students for technical careers, including geospatial technology positions, the digital atlas format provides a means to incorporate technology in the classroom. A study was conducted in seven New Hampshire schools to explore differences in the effectiveness of the paper and digital atlas formats. We created grade-specific pre and post-tests and lesson plans for K-2nd, 3rd-5th, and 6th -8th grades. Test results were statistically analyzed to determine if there are significant differences in the learning of geographic skills using a paper format versus a digital format.
• Cross-Sectional Analysis Of Campaign Contributions In The 2012 Congressional Elections
  What determined political contributions made to congressional candidates in the 2012 election? The existing literature on the subject is problematic in that it is too specific and will only focus on particular aspects of contributions. According to my research hypothesis there are variables that can be used to analyze a national race that include all levels of contributors to determine why candidates received the contributions they did. My equation has total contributions, according to Federal Election Commission filings, made by each candidate for the two year period in which that election cycle occurred, as the dependent variable. The explanatory variables are margin of victory for both the congressman and the presidential candidate of their party, committee chairmanship and other key leadership roles, the productivity of the congressman, per capita income of the district, and years of incumbency.
• Hopelessness And Aggression: Exploring The Role Of Perceived Oppression, Abandonment, And Personal Limitations
  In this study, the relationship between three different forms of hopelessness (i.e. forsakenness, oppression, and limitedness) and their potential role in fostering aggressive tendencies will be explored. Both explicit (conscious) and implicit (unconscious) hopelessness and aggressive thoughts are being studied. It is hypothesized that undergraduate college participants who report higher levels of oppression or forsakenness will score higher in levels of aggression as compared to those harboring feelings of limitedness (self-perceived deficits). Stronger associations are expected at the implicit level between hopelessness and aggressiveness. Explicit hopelessness and aggressive thoughts will be assessed via standard questionnaires whereas implicit levels of these constructs will be measured with picture-story exercises and an implicit association test. If the study hypotheses are confirmed, the findings will counter media portrayals linking conditions of helplessness with violence and instead focus discussions on the role of perceived disruptions in attachment.
• Solutions To Quartic Equations
  A quartic equation is one of the form ax4+bx3+cx2+dx+e=0. There is a formula that will give the solutions to this equation in terms of a, b, c, d, and e, but it is very cumbersome to use. This talk will present a method that transforms the quartic equation into a quadratic equation which can be solved more easily. The solutions to the quadratic equation then lead to the solutions of the quartic equation. Examples will be given that illustrate the method.
• Impact Of 'Real World' Biodiesel And Petroleum Diesel Combustion On Particulate Matter Composition And Oxidative Potential
  Biodiesel blends are known to reduce emissions of particulate matter (PM) mass compared to diesel, but less is known regarding the impact of PM on toxicological responses, specifically PM generated in 'real world' operations using biodiesel. The dithiothreitol (DTT) assay is a method used to approximate oxidative potential (measure of the tendency to lose electrons) of chemical species in fuel related PM. Oxidative potential is a measure of PM ability to generate components called reactive oxygen species and is associated with adverse health effects. The DTT assay was performed on diesel and biodiesel PM collected in the summer of 2014; additionally, we measured the water soluble organic carbon (WSOC) content of the PM to investigate any relationships between DTT consumption rates and WSOC content. Our goal is to better understand the impact of 'real world' combustion of biodiesel in comparison to potential health effects.
• When Do The Quadratic Polynomials px^2+qy+r and 2px^2+qy+r Both Factor?
  One mathematical skill developed in a high school algebra class involves factoring a quadratic polynomial into a product of two binomials. For example, x^2+17x+30=(x+2)(x+15). If a 2 is placed in front of the x^2, the polynomial 2x^2+17x+30 factors as(2x+5)(x+6). A good exercise for students is to find other quadratic polynomials px^2+qy+r and 2px^2+qy+r that both factor. A pair of quadratic polynomials with this property is called a quadratic doublet. The first part of this talk will characterize values for p, q, and r that yield quadratic doublets. A Pythagorean Triple is three whole numbers a, b, c with the property that a^2+b^2=c^2 . The second part of the talk will show a connection between the quadratic doublets and Pythagorean Triples.
• Where have all the Files Gone, Long-Time Passing?
  We as people use computers to store important information because, unlike keeping knowledge in analog(ue) machines, digital computers make exact copies of our files when told to do so.But do they really? How do we even know if they do?In this research work, we as scientists examine how computers store information in data structures called file-systems; and by such exploring, we shine a sobering light on important questions (all-too-often ignored by professional software engineers) about how fragile most people?s files really are.More importantly, we bring a message of hope for both now and the future: (1) Computer Science already provides the mathematical means to make our data safe, and (2) we can start developing new tools, and eventually a new approach to file-system design, which will make everyone?s information both safe and much easier to manage.
• Understanding the Social Deficits In Autism Via Perception Of Sound And Frequency
  My correlational study presents the hypothesis that there is a relationship between social ability, tolerance of loud sounds, and tolerance of high frequencies in both autistic and non-autistic individuals. Sensitivity to loud sound and frequency can characterize the atypical auditory sensitivity associated with autism (Lucker, 2013). However, in order to direct future research, it is crucial to conduct studies that determine if there is a correlation between perception of loudness, perception of frequency, and sociability in a non-autistic population. Additionally I elaborate on how understanding the way autistic individuals perceive a variety of stimuli allows us to provide them with better accommodations.
• Using Cloud Computing To Develop A Botnet
  In the last decade, cloud computing has become very popular. Cloud computing is the usage of centrally located computers used for data storage and computing resources. Cloud computing is often used for web applications because it is a cheap option for using very powerful computers. In this research, we designed a botnet, a network of computers (bots) remotely controlled by one person (the bot master), that utilizes cloud computing. Bot masters often use botnets to spam email addresses, attack webservers, or distribute adware. It is often the bot master's goal to acquire as many bots as possible, usually by distributing malware to an unsuspecting victim's computers, because having more bots makes their botnet much more powerful. Using cloud computing, we are able to quickly create a very powerful botnet in minutes, without compromising anyone's computers.
• An Exploration of the 'Slackers' Among Us: An Ethnography of Art Students
  Students declare art as their major because they're lazy. They're 'slackers' who don't take college seriously and want the easy way out. Right? Wrong. During the fall 2014 semester I conducted an ethnographic study within the art department, talking to students who are minors, majors, or in the Bachelors of Fine Arts degree program (BFA). Through participant-observation and interviews, I began to better understand these students, who they are, what they value, and their goals. Rites of passage, language, and beliefs concerning nudity, sharing, and levels of trust among art students are also distinctive. Although art students live among other undergraduates, the moment they enter the doors on the third floor of the 'Fern' they are in their 'cultural scene.' This area 'feels like home' and allows likeminded individuals to come together in a vibrant subculture.
• Life Stress, Competitive Anxiety, and Affective Outcomes Related To Athletic Performance
  This study will examine possible relationships among life stress, competitive anxiety, and an athlete's emotional state following competitive games. Examination of an intercorrleation matrix may suggest how these variables interact to produce interference with optimal athletic performance and expose the importance of the mental-aspect of sport. The participants will be varsity athletes from men's and women's basketball, lacrosse, baseball and softball teams. The participants will complete five surveys. The Demographic Questionnaire and the Life Events and Stress Scale will be taken one week prior to competition. The modified State-Trait Anxiety Inventory will be administered on the athlete's day off. The Competitive State Anxiety Inventory 2 will be taken two hours before competition and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule scale will be taken directly after. The data collected will be analyzed using a correlational model where statistical significance is tied to p-values of .05 or higher.
• Is the President of the United States Responsive to Public Opinion?
  Through the analysis of the Obama Administration's public position taking on two controversial issues in public addresses, this paper will attempt to answer the question 'Is the President of the United States responsive towards public opinion?' The two issues that will be analyzed are same-sex marriage and marijuana legalization. The logic behind analyzing these two issues is their similarity. Both issues are a state-by-state policy with a slowly increasing public favorability measured by a ten-year trend on Gallup, and both issues are based on personal beliefs with cleanly divided opinion groups. Although controversial, President Obama has addressed both issues in major public addresses at specific points in time. I will utilize the statistics collected by Gallup to analyze public opinion trends for same-sex marriage and marijuana legalization, and determine if there is a pattern that initiates such a public address where a stance is taken by the Obama Administration.
• A Tale Of Two Habitats: Analysis Of Small Mammal Activity And Diversity On Ksc Property
  Few studies have evaluated the ecological significance of Keene State's riparian woodlands. The goal of this study is to compare small mammal activity and diversity in two distinct campus habitats: the wooded banks of the Ashuelot River and an early successional field dominated by forbs and small shrubs. We assembled track tubes, in which animals attracted by a bait leave ink prints on contact paper. We placed the track tubes at sampling stations along a line-transect in both habitats, checked tubes daily, and followed a sampling cycle that alternated use of stations to minimize oversampling of individual animals. We used ImageJ software to objectively quantify track marks. Observations over a 2 month period revealed far greater mammal activity in the riparian habitat. Finally, we plan to compare the species which left prints at field and riparian stations
• The Cultural Contributions to Poverty: A Life History Study of Welfare Recipients
  Poverty is a social problem affecting everyone in a society. Previous research has shown that poverty persists even in times of great economic prosperity, suggesting that there are more causes of poverty than simply just economic causes. The objective of this research is to begin a discussion on the use of welfare in our society and the effects of poverty on the lives of the impoverished from the unique perspective of those who experience these conditions. This research is done based on a collection of life history interviews, involving open ended questions targeting specific focuses, which sought to identify a common lived experience by those who suffer in low socioeconomic status. Ten welfare recipients from the Keene Community Kitchen were interviewed as sources of data. This research will work to prove that there are shared cultural occurrences which cause certain people to live in poverty and others in relative wealth.
• Optimum Arrangement Of Points
  Given an area enclosed by a convex curve, the problem is to find the optimal arrangement of N points within the boundary such that the minimum distance between any two points is as large as possible. This particular problem is closely related to the optimal packing of N equally sized circles in the same boundary such that the radius of the circles is as large as possible. This talk will concentrate on the cases where the convex curve is a circle, equilateral triangle, and a square, and the values are less than 20.
• Income Inequality And Political Polarization In American Politics
  American politics has ground to a halt in part due to increasing partisan behavior in Congress. Since the 1960s, the Republican and Democrat Parties have experienced significant ideological divergence on economic and social issues. By measuring the change in the ideologies of members of Congress from each state since 1960, I will identify which states have undergone the most rapid ideological polarization. I will then calculate the change in economic inequality of each state over the same time period. Using these data sets and regression analysis, I intend to establish a correlative link between greater degrees of political polarization and greater levels of economic inequality.