Memories of a teacher, colleague and friend Vadim S. Anishchenko (1943–2020)

On November 30, 2020, at the age of 78, Vadim S. Anishchenko suddenly died. He was Head of the Department of Radiophysics and Nonlinear Dynamics, Saratov State University (SSU), Doctor of Physics and Mathematics, Professor, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Laureate of the International Science Prize of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Honorary Worker of Education of the Russian Federation, Honorary Professor of SSU, world-class specialist in the field of nonlinear dynamics, founder of one of the leading scientific schools in radiophysics and nonlinear dynamics. The memories of people who knew Vadim S. Anishchenko closely at different periods of his life are published, as a tribute to the memory of an outstanding personality.

Family memories of Yuriy Vasylyovych Kozachenko

The article is dedicated to the memoirs of the sister of the outstanding scientist, Doctor of Sciences in Physics and Mathematics, Professor Yuriy Kozachenko. It tells about the friendly and creative family of Kozachenkos, in which the future mathematician grew up. Some stories from the childhood of Yuriy Kozachenko are described with great warmth.

Devoted to the 60th Birthday Sc. D. (Physics and Mathematics), Professor, Honored Worker of Science of the Russian FederationAndrey Aleksandrovich BYKOV

.

Lectures in Advanced Mathematics: Why Students Might Not Understand What the Mathematics Professor Is Trying to Convey

We describe a case study in which we investigate the effectiveness of a lecture in advanced mathematics. We first videorecorded a lecture delivered by an experienced professor who had a reputation for being an outstanding instructor. Using video recall, we then interviewed the professor to determine the ideas that he intended to convey and how he tried to convey these ideas in this lecture. We also interviewed 6 students to see what they understood from this lecture. The students did not comprehend the ideas that the professor cited as central to his lecture. Based on our analyses, we propose 2 factors to account for why students did not understand these ideas.

Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets

We often mistake success as the outcome of skill, perseverance, and the application of knowledge, while it happens in all walks of life, that is, in business or politics; it is much more prevalent in stock market trading and investments. We attribute the personal wealth of investors to the application of their skillful analytical abilities based on formulaedriven and technically sound analysis. Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a Mathematics Professor, an Ivy League education and options trader, in his book, 'Fooled by Randomness' demonstrates a wondrous insight into the share markets, emphasizes disguised luck which can often be mistaken for skill and knowledge.

Pioneers in Optics: Leonhard Euler and Étienne-Louis Malus

Leonhard Euler is best known as a prolific mathematician, but he also made notable contributions in optics and astronomy. He was born in Basel, Switzerland on April 15, 1707, the son of Paul Euler, a Protestant minister, and Margaret Brucker, the daughter of a Protestant minister. Accordingly, Leonhard Euler was raised to follow suit and join the ministry, but his father had sparked his interest in mathematics at a young age, and this interest was further cultivated at the University of Basel, which he entered at the age of fourteen. His prodigious ability in the field impressed renowned mathematics professor Johann Bernoulli, who allowed Euler to visit with him on Sundays to discuss any difficulties the young scholar had in understanding the advanced books on mathematics that he had recommended. Nevertheless, even in 1723, Euler still appeared to be set on a course that would lead him to the church, having gained his Master's degree in philosophy and embarked on studies of theology. Soon after, however, with the help of Bernoulli, Euler convinced his father to permit him to study mathematics instead.

Dispelling Fear and Loathing: Engaging Mathematically Challenged Students to Learn Statistics

Although accreditation standards require that programs must teach quantitative research methodology, students are not always eager to learn statistics. This article describes several techniques to aid the social work instructor in engaging students who are uncomfortable facing statistical information. In one small BSW program a social work professor has collaborated with a mathematics professor in developing ideas to engage students who arrive with fear and loathing at the very word statistics. By promoting problem solving, improving student attitudes, and quelling fears regarding learning statistics, these techniques can be adapted in the social work classroom.

Mathematical Lens: Reflections

James Metz, a community college mathematics professor in Honolulu, Hawaii, took photograph 1 on a street corner in Tokyo in the Akihabara area, known as “electric town” (where electronics shops of all types are found). In the photograph, a mirrored curved column reflects the image of a passing delivery truck. Students can use a short length of chrome exhaust pipe or drainpipe and a small toy truck to model this photograph.

Brief Sketch on the Life and Character of the Late Hon. Benj. J. K. Anderson, M.A. PH.D. K.C.

Benjamin Anderson (1835-1910), Liberia's great explorer of the nineteenth century, was at the forefront of encouraging the government to establish a viable economic and political presence in the deep interior. Anderson migrated from Baltimore, Maryland, when he was sixteen years old, and became a three-time Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of the Interior, mathematics professor, official surveyor, diplomat, military officer, and accomplished cartographer. He is most noted for having traveled to the fabled town of Musadu in today's Guinea. Musadu seemed to hold much promise to enrich the young colony because of its supposed natural resources such as gold, a strong political base, and connections to the interior trade routes that extended to the Niger River and beyond.Primary source information about Anderson's life comes from his own writings, scattered publications, and archival materials. The most complete contemporary account—published here—is an obituary that an unknown author wrote shortly after Anderson died. The obituary was located in the Frederick Starr Papers (Box 9, Folder 9) in the Department of Special Collections at the University of Chicago's Regenstein Library in 2000. It is typed on 8 ½″ × 14″ paper with “Republic of Liberia, Montserrado County, Superintendents Office” pre-printed on the back of each sheet. This paper's title is the same as the original title of the obituary. The document gives several interesting bits of information about Anderson's life that are not found in any other sources, and contains considerable data that can be independently confirmed.