Zero-Divisor Graphs for Group Rings

Let R be a commutative ring with 1 ≠ 0, G be a nontrivial finite group, and let Z(R) be the set of zero divisors of R. The zero-divisor graph of R is defined as the graph Γ(R) whose vertex set is Z(R)* = Z(R)?{0} and two distinct vertices a and b are adjacent if and only if ab = 0. In this paper, we investigate the interplay between the ring-theoretic properties of group rings RG and the graph-theoretic properties of Γ(RG). We characterize finite commutative group rings RG for which either diam(Γ(RG)) ≤2 or gr(Γ(RG)) ≥4. Also, we investigate the isomorphism problem for zero-divisor graphs of group rings. First, we show that the rank and the cardinality of a finite abelian p-group are determined by the zero-divisor graph of its modular group ring. With the notion of zero-divisor graphs extended to noncommutative rings, it is also shown that two finite semisimple group rings are isomorphic if and only if their zero-divisor graphs are isomorphic. Finally, we show that finite noncommutative reversible group rings are determined by their zero-divisor graphs.     

Artinian Level Algebras of Low Socle Degree

In this article we study Hilbert functions and isomorphism classes of Artinian level local algebras via Macaulay's inverse system. Upper and lower bounds concerning numerical functions admissible for level algebras of fixed type and socle degree are known. For each value in this range we exhibit a level local algebra with that Hilbert function, provided that the socle degree is at most three. Furthermore, we prove that level local algebras of socle degree three and maximal Hilbert function are graded. In the graded case, the extremal strata have been parametrized by Cho and Iarrobino.     

The 4-GDDs of type 3562

We determine the 22 isomorphism classes of 4-GDDs with group type $3^5{6}^2$ and compare their automorphism groups. We also observe for the first time an example of a three dimensional Pasch triangle in a GDD.     

Conceptual metaphors for isomorphism and homomorphism: Instructors’ descriptions for themselves and when teaching

Group isomorphism and homomorphism are topics central to abstract algebra, yet research on instructors’ views of these concepts is limited. Based on interviews from two instructors as well as classroom video from eight class periods, this paper examines the language used to discuss isomorphism and homomorphism. Language used by instructors in interviews and classroom settings are identified and classified into four main categories: formal definition, mapping, sameness, and combinations of sameness and mapping language. How the two instructors drew on language classified into those four categories in the interview and instruction settings are examined for isomorphism and homomorphism. Similarities and differences between the interview and instruction contexts reveal the wide variety of ways of understanding isomorphism and homomorphism as well as a research need to examine mathematicians’ content knowledge in more than one context.     

On Constacyclic Codes over Z_(p_1p_2…p_t)

Let t ≥ 2 be an integer, and let _(p_1, ···, p_t)be distinct primes. By using algebraic properties, the present paper gives a sufficient and necessary condition for the existence of non-trivial self-orthogonal cyclic codes over the ring Z_(p_1p_2···p_t)and the corresponding explicit enumerating formula. And it proves that there does not exist any self-dual cyclic code over Z_(p_1p_2···p_t).     

A note on flow polynomials of graphs

Using the decomposition theory of modular and integral flow polynomials, we answer a problem of Beck and Zaslavsky, by providing a general situation in which the integral flow polynomial is a multiple of the modular flow polynomial.