Abstract: There is a semigroup naturally associated to the standard product of $k$ odometers. In this talk, we will focus on the boundary quotient of the full C*-algebra of the semigroup. Among other things, we will provide some characterizations on the simplicity of the boundary quotient, and discuss its nuclearity and pure infiniteness. If time permits, some relations with the C*-algebra $\mathcal{Q}_{\mathbb{N}}$ introduced by Cuntz will also be given.

This is joint work with Hui Li.

Speaker's web page: http://www1.uwindsor.ca/math/dilian-yang

Abstract: Cancelled by the speaker.

Abstract: I shall explain different proofs by Euclid and Euler which show that there are infinitely many primes. I will then indicate how attempts to refine and extend this result and understand the distribution of primes, led mathematicians to beautiful discoveries and open problems, including the celebrated Riemann hypothesis.

Since this is a pi day talk, the number pi will surely appear at some point through a beautiful formula of Euler relating primes to pi. I shall try to indicate a much more modern understanding of this formula as equality of volumes of some geometric objects.

With free pie!