Saturday 25 September 2010. East and West Midlands Branch Visit. Bletchley Park, The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6EB.
Thursday 7 October 2010. Novel Simulations: mathematical modelling from a different perspective. A talk by Nira Chamberlain (Mathematical Modelling Consultant, LSC Group) 7.30 p.m. Room W0.03, Sir David Davies Building Loughborough University.
Abstract: In dealing with the complexity of the real world, mathematicians, engineers and scientists alike have fundamentally three objectives; 1) to understand 2) to predict and 3) to control. However for different real world systems, for example the weather system, some if not all of these objectives are impossible to achieve. Where critical decisions can be influenced by mathematical models, confidences in the reliability of those models are paramount. Reliability of a mathematical model is not only its accuracy, but how well it achieves the three fundamental objectives.
Using simulation, as the principal methodology of attack, a Mathematical Model of the Through Life Engineering Affordability of a Naval System will be presented.
Tuesday 9 November 2010. The Convoy Movement Problem. A talk by Dr. Andy Verity-Harrison (Atkins Ltd). 7.30 p.m. in Room GEE004, George Eliot Building, Clifton Campus, Nottingham Trent University.
Abstract: Current military operations emphasise the need for mobility more than ever. Thus, routing convoys so that they reach their correct destinations in the shortest time is important. However, the planning itself can be considerable and must be carried out quickly if operational tempo is to be maintained. With this in mind the military planning problem of simultaneously routing multiple convoys between multiple origin and destination locations was formulated as a combinatorial optimisation problem – referred to as the convoy movement problem (CMP) – and used as a benchmark problem for investigating the applicability of a variety of optimisation methods to military decision making.
In this talk, I shall take you through the journey described above starting with a definition of the CMP and its formulation as an integer programme. Along the way I shall highlight the broader significance of the observations made in tackling the CMP and conclude by discussing the fragility of optimal solutions when implemented in the messy “real world”.
Monday 10 January 2011. Some Mathematics in Mobile Telecommunications: a personal perspective. A Presidential Address by Professor Mike Walker (Vodafone Group Services Ltd). 7.15 p.m. in Room CEL015, Centre for Effective Learning in Science Building, Clifton Campus, Nottingham Trent University.
Abstract: In this talk Mike Walker will talk about some mathematics that underpins major commercial drivers in the transition from one mobile telecommunications system to the next. In this context we will look at cryptography, games theory and auctions, Hamiltonians and multiple channel radio communications.
Tuesday 18 January 2011. Information Engineering and Mining Data. A talk by Dr. Steve King (Rolls-Royce). 7.30 p.m. in the Mathematics and Physics Building, Room B13, University of Nottingham, University Park.
Abstract: The media, and many experts, tell us that we live in an information rich age. Internet and mobile phone services offer us instant access to information such as news and travel services updates tuned to topics that are likely to be of interest to us. Shopping sites, such as Amazon, are able to construct a profile of our shopping preferences based on our history of transactions. Credit card companies also use similar methods to identify unusual spending on our accounts to detect potential fraudulent activities. Understandably, Insurance companies are very keen to ensure their premiums will more than cover the cost of insurance claims from their client base, and will therefore want to get a reliable assessment of potential risk from various population groups. Each of these examples involves the collection and analysis of data and likely to include the process of what some might define as turning data into knowledge. Alternative descriptions include Data Mining and Exploratory Data Analysis.
This presentation provides an overview of some of the mathematical and statistical techniques that are used to derive useful information from data, but with the focus more on industrial applications. Hopefully, this will provide the audience with some insight of Data Mining and areas of where it can be used.
Tuesday 1 February 2011. A Counting Problem in Geometry: a rich classroom resource. A talk by Dr. Alan Slomson (University of Leeds). 7.30 p.m. in Room GEE004, George Eliot Building, Clifton Campus, Nottingham Trent University.
Abstract: I discuss a counting problem that arises in a geometrical context. The problem has been around for a very long time and I don’t know where it originated. It is very rich in Mathematical ideas, and I have used it in Masterclasses for pupils of all secondary school ages, and gives rise to a problem in number theory which is still open. It does not involve any geometry.
Wednesday 23 March 2011. The Golden Section. A talk by Richard Simpson (Secretary to the Council of the British Society for the History of Mathematics). 7.30 p.m. in Room Q1.10, Queens Building, De Montfort University, Leicester.
Abstract: The ‘golden section’ is a basic geometrical division of a straight line in a particular proportion. Euclid, in his Elements, first described it but the idea is certainly rather older. Numerically the ratio has most unexpected properties, which arise naturally from its definition, and the ‘golden number, 1.618’ appears almost magically in a great many areas of human mathematical and scientific endeavour. So much so that it has assumed, over the last 2500 years, a virtual ‘cult’ status in some circles. Also there are many claims for its ‘divine’ appearance in the natural world as well as in the aesthetics of art and architectural design. Many of these claims are completely bogus! The talk will provide a ‘taster’ of the history of the development of the ‘Golden Section’ from Euclid, via Fibonacci, Pacioli, Palladio and the ‘Cubists’ to much more recent late 20th century appearances. The talk, which will be copiously illustrated, should be of interest to a wide audience and will not be deeply mathematical – indeed the ‘Golden Section’ is a simple idea with amazing scope!
Saturday 26 March 2011. Branch Dinner at Spice 45 at the Bell Inn, 31 Leicester Road, Narborough, Leicester LE19 2HL. Meet at 7:15 p.m. in the restaurant for a meal starting at 7.30 p.m.
Tuesday 19 April 2011. Quantitative analysis of the social web from Twitter to YouTube. A talk by Prof. Michael Thelwall (Wolverhampton University). 7.30 p.m. in Room GEE004, George Eliot Building, Clifton Campus, Nottingham Trent University.
Abstract: The web includes a huge quantity of texts that can be downloaded and processed to extract a range of statistics that relate to the way people use it and interact with each other online. This talk will discuss simple tools to extract large scale statistics from all or part of the web and will discuss some analyses made with the resulting data. The findings will include some strange graphs and will reveal what starts the biggest arguments in YouTube (religion), what rarely triggers any controversy online (ageing rock stars), and which emotions are triggered when people Tweet in response to major events in the news (negativity, even for good news).
Tuesday 24 May 2011. Raising the Public Profile of Mathematics. A talk by Prof. Peter Styring (University of Sheffield) 7.30 p.m. Lecture Theatre OL1, University of Derby, Kedleston Road. The 2011 Branch AGM will be held prior to this talk starting at 7.10 p.m.
Abstract: The rapid increase in media outlets has made it possible for scientists, engineers and mathematicians to embrace a form of public engagement previously not accessible. While a few eminent mathematicians have made an impact in the area, there is still much that can be done. In addition to opening up the subject to the general public, it also allows potential investors to understand what can, and sometimes cannot, be achieved.
The talk will address various forms that public engagement can take giving specific examples of how the media can help the academic in their research and indeed their careers.
Tuesday 28 June 2011. Branch Social Event at The Red Admiral, 163 Station Road, Broughton Astley, Leicester. Meet by 6.30 p.m. in the Bar for a directed walk and quiz or 7.30 pm in the Skittle Alley.
