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<title>Bruce Kessler</title>
<copyright>Copyright (c) 2012  All rights reserved.</copyright>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler</link>
<description>Recent documents in Bruce Kessler</description>
<language>en-us</language>
<lastBuildDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:18:38 PST</lastBuildDate>
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<item>
<title>Operation Comics:  Making Math Fun</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/85</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 18 Sep 2011 14:45:19 PDT</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>This talk gives a background on the Operation Comics series, which integrates mathematics into a comic book storyline, as an example of how creativity is not exclusive to the traditional arts, like music and dance, but is a vital part of math, science, and engineering.</p>

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</description>

<author>Bruce Kessler</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>Operation Comics:  The Story Continues</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/84</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/84</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 07:43:10 PDT</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>This talk was given, with Tressa Tullis as the main presenter and Bruce Kessler as a minor co-presenter, at the 2011 Bridges Conference in Coimbre, Portugal, on the current developments on our Operation Comics project with Cumberland Trace Elementary.</p>

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</description>

<author>Bruce Kessler et al.</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>Operation Comics #5:  Wonderkid!  The Origins of Wonderguy</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/83</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:01:20 PDT</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>This is the fifth of a series of six comics that embed mathematics appropriate for grades 4 through 6 in story told in comic book format. Printed versions of this comic are being used by students at Cumberland Trace Elementary in Bowling Green, KY. The comic is available as an e-book for the Nook at the link provided above.  Hard copies of the comic are available at www.operationcomics.com. Supplementary materials are available for free below. For more information on the origin and goals of this comic, see the pre-print of the paper "Comic Books That Teach Mathematics" at http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/8.</p>
<p>In this fifth issue, Wonderguy shares some clues with Claire and Dillon, and his secretary (foreshadowing), about how he came to be so strong. He also tells them about the first crime he ever stopped, as only a very young boy.</p>
<p>In this issue, the mathematical concepts of simple probability and the probability of multiple independent events are discussed. Also, the science topics of genetics and Punnett squares are addressed, and even a bit of physics is discussed.</p>

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</description>

<author>Bruce Kessler et al.</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>Professor helps in search for explosives, illegal substances</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/82</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/82</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:48:06 PDT</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>I was interviewed by Jenna Mink of the Daily News regarding our wavelet-based software for spectrum analysis, Peaklet Analysis.</p>

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</description>

<author>Jenna Mink et al.</author>


<category>Wavelets</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>Software product may improve security screening, explosives detection</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/81</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/81</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jul 2011 17:48:31 PDT</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>Press release from WKU News about the release of Peaklet Analysis software, a joint venture between myself, WKU Research Foundation, and HitCents, Inc.  The story was picked up by the Associated Press, and appeared on webpages for many media outlets, including WKMS (Murray), Kentucky.com, WBKO (Bowling Green), Nola.com (New Orleans, LA), WDRB.com (Louisville), news25.us (Evansville, IN), WKRN.com (Nashville, TN), and FOX17.com (Nashville, TN).</p>

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</description>

<author>Tommy Newton et al.</author>


<category>Wavelets</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>Operation Comics</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/80</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/80</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jun 2011 07:49:36 PDT</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>This was a piece on my Operation Comics project for the WKU Alumni Foundation's magazine (not a peer-reviewed article).</p>

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</description>

<author>Bruce Kessler et al.</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>Comic Books To Teach Mathematics?:  Bruce Kessler Says Yes</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/79</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/79</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 07:22:52 PDT</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>I was interviewed by Tracy Inman about the Operation Comics project and how it applies to gifted students.</p>

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</description>

<author>Tracy Inman et al.</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>“Drawing” Upon Your Students’ Creativity:  Teaching (Your Subject Here) with Comic Books</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/78</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/78</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 01 May 2011 19:44:26 PDT</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>During Spring 2009, Dr. Kessler created and published a comic book series that embedded math content into the story for 4th-6th grade students.  The comics were well received in the classrooms at Cumberland Trace Elementary. Dr. Kessler contends that this approach to teaching and learning can be used in any content area, and is useful for engaging students who might not be as interested otherwise.  This session will explore ways of utilizing the skills of your students to construct learning comics in your classes, regardless of the funds, technology, and artistic experience at your disposal.  The session will include a brief origin of the math comics, an open forum on strategies for making the idea work in your class, and an implementation of those strategies, with participants beginning their own “comics.”</p>

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</description>

<author>Bruce Kessler</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>Wavelet-Based Analysis of Neutron-Induced Photon Spectral Data</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/77</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/77</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 01 May 2011 19:37:35 PDT</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>Neutron-based methods of non-destructive inter- rogation of objects for the purpose of their characterization are well-established techniques, employed in the field of bulk material analysis, contraband detection, unexploded ordnance, etc. The characteristic gamma rays produced in nuclear reactions initiated by neutrons in the volume of the irradiated object (inelastic neutron scattering, thermal neutron capture, and activation) are used for the elemental	identification.	In	many	real-world applications, an automated spectral analysis is needed, and many algorithms are used for that purpose. The Applied Physics Institute at Western Kentucky University has recently started to employ a mathematical spectrum analysis	technique	based	on	wavelets	that simultaneously provides quick, accurate, and objective analysis of gamma ray spectra.</p>
<p>This paper will provide a brief overview of wavelets and multiwavelets, and of the wavelet-based analysis algorithm. Examples will be given using neutron- induced photon spectra measured using high resolution and low resolution detectors.</p>

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</description>

<author>Bruce Kessler et al.</author>


<category>Wavelets</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>A “Peak” at the Algorithm Behind “Peaklet Analysis” Software</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/76</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 01 May 2011 19:32:14 PDT</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>In response to a problem posed by faculty at the Applied Physics Institute at Western Kentucky University, the speaker has developed an algorithm for providing an automated analysis of spectrum data for the purpose of determining the elemental composition of the item generating the data.  A full, non-provisional patent application has been filed on the idea, and a full marketing campaign has started to license software implementing the algorithm.  This presentation will give a brief explanation of the mathematics in use in the algorithm, and will give some examples of the software in action.</p>

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</description>

<author>Bruce Kessler</author>


<category>Wavelets</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>Comic Book Guy</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/75</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/75</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2011 07:41:57 PDT</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>Bowling Green Daily News article on the Operation Comics project.</p>

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</description>

<author>Pam Cassady et al.</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>Operation Comics:  The Story Continues</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/74</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/74</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2011 03:36:58 PDT</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>During the 2008-2009 academic year, the author K. wrote three issues of Operation Comics, a comic book with embedded mathematics content appropriate for 4th through 6th grade students.  Several printed comics were placed in Cumberland Trace Elementary in the Warren County School System in Bowling Green, Kentucky, US.  The author Ta. was enlisted to measure the impact of the comics on the attitudes and motivation of the students using the comics.  A preliminary report was given by K. at the 2009 Bridges Banff Conference, and the written report appeared in the proceedings.  Since then, data has been collected on the initial cohort of students using the comics, and the project has been given new life with an infusion of money from an anonymous corporate donor and a new illustrator, author Tu.  This manuscript will give an abbreviated summary of our initial findings, and will show how Tu. is addressing the presentation of mathematical content in her illustrations in three new comics.  We will also outline the 2-1/2 year study we are beginning during the Spring 2011 semester, and how the project is spawning other outreach activities.</p>

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</description>

<author>Bruce Kessler et al.</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>Operation Comics on WKYU-FM Public Radio</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/73</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/73</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:22:04 PDT</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>Operation Comics and their recent offering as NOOKbooks from the Barnes and Noble webpage were the subject of this interview for WKU's public radio, conducted by Dan Modlin.</p>

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</description>

<author>Dan Modlin et al.</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>View from the Hill:  Operation Comics</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/72</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/72</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:17:52 PDT</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>"Operation Comics", comic books with embedded math content appropriate for 4th-6th graders, was the topic of this episode of "View from the Hill".</p>

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</description>

<author>Amy Bingham et al.</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>A Primer on Chaos and Fractals</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/71</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/71</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 06:49:10 PST</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>This is a prelude to a performance of the play "Arcadia" exclusively for the science and math majors of Lipscomb University.  One of the main characters of the story is a mathematical genius, and has realized the power and limitations of iterations in generating mathematical models and structures, although she is living in the early 1800's.  This talk gives an introduction to the ideas of chaos theory, fractals, and randomness.</p>

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</description>

<author>Bruce Kessler</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>Operation Comics #4:  Wonderguy in the Sky!</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/70</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/70</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:25:21 PST</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>This is the fourth of a series of six comics that embed mathematics appropriate for grades 4 through 6 in story told in comic book format. Printed versions of this comic are being used by students at Cumberland Trace Elementary in Bowling Green, KY. The comic is available as an e-book for the Nook at the link provided above.  Hard copies of the comic are available at www.operationcomics.com. Supplementary materials are available for free below. For more information on the origin and goals of this comic, see the pre-print of the paper "Comic Books That Teach Mathematics" at http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/8.</p>
<p>In this issue, Wonderguy encounters a talented trapeze artist named Aerial, who has decided to turn her impressive high-flying act into a career in crime. This presents a challenge to Wonderguy, who, despite his great strength, can not fly -- or can he? Wonderguy is going to need all the help he can get leave the ground behind and catch this heavenly hellion - especially from his mathematically-gifted sidekicks Claire and Dillon.</p>
<p>The mathematics concepts of finding proportional amounts and solving for a squared variable (using mostly linear equation techniques) are presented.</p>

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</description>

<author>Bruce Kessler et al.</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>Operation Comics #3:  Not Your Average Cat</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/69</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/69</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:16:27 PST</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>This is the third of a series of six comics that embed mathematics appropriate for grades 4 through 6 in story told in comic book format. Printed versions of this comic are being used by students at Cumberland Trace Elementary in Bowling Green, KY. The comic is available as an e-book for the Nook at the link provided above.  Hard copies of the comic are available at www.operationcomics.com. Supplementary materials are available for free below. For more information on the origin and goals of this comic, see the pre-print of the paper "Comic Books That Teach Mathematics" at http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/8.</p>
<p>In this issue, Wonderguy encounters a petty thief called the Cheetah. He had once been a mere biologist wanting funding for his genetics research into making a faster human, but after experimenting on himself, he finds that he can run as fast as a cheetah. He decides that if he can get attention for his research by eluding the great Wonderguy, then the funding he wants will soon be his. However, he did not count on Claire and Dillon, Wonderguy's mathematical ace-in-the-hole.</p>
<p>The mathematics concepts of the arithmetic mean and graphing points on a coordinate plane are presented.</p>

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</description>

<author>Bruce Kessler</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>Operation Comics #2:  The Shape of Things</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/68</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/68</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:07:05 PST</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>This is the second of a series of six comics that embed mathematics appropriate for grades 4 through 6 in story told in comic book format. Printed versions of this comic are being used by students at Cumberland Trace Elementary in Bowling Green, KY. The comic is available as an e-book for the Nook at the link provided above.  Hard copies of the comic are available at www.operationcomics.com. Supplementary materials are available for free below. For more information on the origin and goals of this comic, see the pre-print of the paper "Comic Books That Teach Mathematics" at http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/8.</p>
<p>In this issue, Wonderguy encounters a villain named the Shape Master. He used to be Ernie Schwump, a shiftless worker at a government research facility, until he messed with some equipment he should not have. Now he is able to change shapes at will, and he decides to use this power. It's up to Wonderguy, Claire, and Dillon to find his weakness, and put a stop to his shenanigans.</p>
<p>The mathematics concepts of the volume of a rectangular prism, cylinder, and sphere are presented.</p>

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</description>

<author>Bruce Kessler et al.</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>Operation Comics #1:  Captain Confusion&apos;s Revenge</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/67</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/67</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:55:38 PST</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>This is the first of a series of six comics that embed mathematics appropriate for grades 4 through 6 in story told in comic book format. Printed versions of this comic are being used by students at Cumberland Trace Elementary in Bowling Green, KY. The comic is available as an e-book for the Nook at the link provided above.  Hard copies of the comic are available at www.operationcomics.com. Supplementary materials are available for free below. For more information on the origin and goals of this comic, see the pre-print of the paper "Comic Books That Teach Mathematics" at http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/8.</p>
<p>In this issue, Wonderguy encounters a villain named Captain Confusion, who threatens the students and faculty at Best Elementary School. Captain Confusion resents the fact that Wonderguy is a respected hero, because he perceives him as a unintelligent brute, while Captain Confusion, a self-described intellectual, is not. His plan is to show the world how dumb Wonderguy really is, and to ruin his career as a hero by using his supposed lack of intelligence as a means of preventing him from saving the occupants of the elementary school. In the course of the story, we find that Wonderguy actually does need some help, which is supplied by the two real heroes of the story, Claire and Dillon, two members of the school's academic team.</p>
<p>The mathematics concepts of the divisibility-by-nine test, least common multiples, and using formulas to describe number patterns are presented.</p>

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</description>

<author>Bruce Kessler et al.</author>


<category>Mathematics Education</category>

</item>






<item>
<title>An Algorithm for Wavelet–Based Elemental Spectrum Analysis</title>
<link>http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/65</link>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/65</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:13:21 PST</pubDate>
<description>
	<![CDATA[
	<p>At the previous Approximation Theory XII meeting, I discussed some preliminary work with the Applied Physics Institute at Western Kentucky University in using multiwavelets to provide an objective analysis of gamma-ray spectrum generated from fast neutron bombardment of objects, for the purpose of identifying the elemental composition of the object.  The method discussed at the time worked moderately well with the limited amount of data provided, but subsequent use with data sets of different compounds and with different detectors brought to light serious flaws with its implementation.</p>
<p>This talk will illustrate those issues and will address how they have been corrected in the current implementation.  The algorithm has potential commercial application in analyzing gamma-ray, X-ray, fluorescence, etc. spectra, and is protected by provisional patent.  It is currently being used in the grant-funded development of a prototype device for analyzing the active/inactive status of small (less than 2 kg in weight) unexploded ordnance.</p>

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</description>

<author>Bruce Kessler</author>


<category>Wavelets</category>

<category>Mathematical Modeling</category>

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