Random subshifts of finite type

Let $X$ be an irreducible shift of finite type (SFT) of positive entropy, and let $B_n(X)$ be its set of words of length $n$. Define a random subset $\omega$ of $B_n(X)$ by independently choosing each word from $B_n(X)$ with some probability $\alpha$. Let $X_{\omega}$ be the (random) SFT built from the set $\omega$. For each $0\leq \alpha \leq1$ and $n$ tending to infinity, we compute the limit of the likelihood that $X_{\omega}$ is empty, as well as the limiting distribution of entropy for $X_{\omega}$. For $\alpha$ near 1 and $n$ tending to infinity, we show that the likelihood that $X_{\omega}$ contains a unique irreducible component of positive entropy converges exponentially to 1. These results are obtained by studying certain sequences of random directed graphs. This version of "random SFT" differs significantly from a previous notion by the same name, which has appeared in the context of random dynamical systems and bundled dynamical systems.Comment: Published in at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/10-AOP636 the Annals of Probability (http://www.imstat.org/aop/) by the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org

Orders of accumulation of entropy

For a continuous map $T$ of a compact metrizable space $X$ with finite topological entropy, the order of accumulation of entropy of $T$ is a countable ordinal that arises in the context of entropy structure and symbolic extensions. We show that every countable ordinal is realized as the order of accumulation of some dynamical system. Our proof relies on functional analysis of metrizable Choquet simplices and a realization theorem of Downarowicz and Serafin. Further, if $M$ is a metrizable Choquet simplex, we bound the ordinals that appear as the order of accumulation of entropy of a dynamical system whose simplex of invariant measures is affinely homeomorphic to $M$. These bounds are given in terms of the Cantor-Bendixson rank of \overline{\ex(M)}, the closure of the extreme points of $M$, and the relative Cantor-Bendixson rank of \overline{\ex(M)} with respect to \ex(M). We also address the optimality of these bounds.Comment: 48 page

Human Trafficking: a Growing, Global Concern

This thesis is intended to describe and explain the lasting impacts trafficking have on individuals and societies. A general description of the forms, as well as the effects of trafficking will be reviewed. Perhaps more importantly, proposed responses will be discussed in depth. But the primary goal is to spread awareness and educate the reader about the crime of trafficking in human beings. Awareness by the public is the first step in eradicating trafficking in human beings. It is the author\u27s hope to elevate this awareness through her research and writing

Consistency of maximum likelihood estimation for some dynamical systems

We consider the asymptotic consistency of maximum likelihood parameter estimation for dynamical systems observed with noise. Under suitable conditions on the dynamical systems and the observations, we show that maximum likelihood parameter estimation is consistent. Our proof involves ideas from both information theory and dynamical systems. Furthermore, we show how some well-studied properties of dynamical systems imply the general statistical properties related to maximum likelihood estimation. Finally, we exhibit classical families of dynamical systems for which maximum likelihood estimation is consistent. Examples include shifts of finite type with Gibbs measures and Axiom A attractors with SRB measures.Comment: Published in at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/14-AOS1259 the Annals of Statistics (http://www.imstat.org/aos/) by the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org

Design of Crystalline Solids

We are investigating methods to prepare porous crystalline solids based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) composed of organic molecules and metal ions. MOFs are new functional materials that are now being used in a range of applications that include storage of gases (e.g., hydrogen), delivery of drugs, catalysis of organic reactions, and molecular separations. Toward this goal, we are investigating using solid-state synthesis to synthesize MOFs by grinding organic ligands and transition metal salts together in the absence of solvents. Here we report the attempts at room temperature and hydrothermal synthesis along with the successful solid-state synthesis and characterization of a MOF composed of urocanic acid (3-(3H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-enoic acid) and copper (II) nitrate