Introduction to Programming Concepts With Case Studies in Python

This collection of articles by well-known experts was originally published in 2000 and is intended for researchers in computer science, practitioners of formal methods, and computer programmers working in safety-critical applications or in the technology of component-based systems. The work brings together several elements of this area that were fast becoming the focus of much research and practice in computing. The introduction by Clemens Szyperski gives a snapshot of research in the field. About half the articles deal with theoretical frameworks, models, and systems of notation; the rest of the book concentrates on case studies by researchers who have built prototype systems and present findings on architectures verification. The emphasis is on advances in the technological infrastructure of component-based systems; how to design and specify reusable components; and how to reason about, verify, and validate systems from components. Thus the book shows how theory might move into pract

With an Introduction by Dr Pamela Knights, Department of English Studies, Durham University. With this intensely moving short novel, Edith Wharton set out `to draw life as it really was' in the lonely

This is an exceptionally accessible, accurate, and non-technical introduction to quantum mechanics. After briefly summarizing the differences between classical and quantum behaviour, this engaging account considers the Stern-Gerlach experiment and its implications, treats the concepts of probability, and then discusses the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox and Bell's theorem. Quantal interference and the concept of amplitudes are introduced and the link revealed between probabilities and the interference of amplitudes. Quantal amplitude is employed to describe interference effects. Final chapters explore exciting new developments in quantum computation and cryptography, discover the unexpected behaviour of a quantal bouncing-ball, and tackle the challenge of describing a particle with no position. Thought-provoking problems and suggestions for further reading are included. Suitable for use as a course text, The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics enables students to develop a genuine unde

This is an exceptionally accessible, accurate, and non-technical introduction to quantum mechanics. After briefly summarizing the differences between classical and quantum behaviour, this engaging account considers the Stern-Gerlach experiment and its implications, treats the concepts of probability, and then discusses the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox and Bell's theorem. Quantal interference and the concept of amplitudes are introduced and the link revealed between probabilities and the interference of amplitudes. Quantal amplitude is employed to describe interference effects. Final chapters explore exciting new developments in quantum computation and cryptography, discover the unexpected behaviour of a quantal bouncing-ball, and tackle the challenge of describing a particle with no position. Thought-provoking problems and suggestions for further reading are included. Suitable for use as a course text, The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics enables students to develop a genuine unde

This widescreen approach to the study of media organizations in society combines a survey of current research with original case studies, providing an in-depth understanding of media industries and th

This book, first published in 2000, is a comprehensive introduction to holomorphic dynamics, that is the dynamics induced by the iteration of various analytic maps in complex number spaces. This has been the focus of much attention in recent years, with, for example, the discovery of the Mandelbrot set, and work on chaotic behaviour of quadratic maps. The treatment is mathematically unified, emphasizing the substantial role played by classical complex analysis in understanding holomorphic dynamics as well as giving an up-to-date coverage of the modern theory. The authors cover entire functions, Kleinian groups and polynomial automorphisms of several complex variables such as complex Henon maps, as well as the case of rational functions. The book will be welcomed by graduate students and professionals in pure mathematics and science who seek a reasonably self-contained introduction to this exciting area.

Applies principles and concepts of popular education to evaluation?a critical piece in program development and training with adults. Using real-life case studies, the book shows how the model works in

This original and sometimes controversial book is concerned with international regulation, negotiation and policy-making in the environmental realm. In particular, it focuses on toxic chemicals, and the ways in which risk associated with hazardous substances is assessed, and the policy outcomes that result. A key assertion is that the international arena is more favourable to environment groups while the domestic arena tends to favour industry. Perhaps surprisingly, the author posits that environmental organisations such as Greenpeace, while occupying the moral highground, oversimplify complex issues. While this can help stimulate action, the author argues it can hinder the development of effective policies at the international level. Grounded in major international case studies, the book is based on research into many international agencies and takes a multidisciplinary approach.

This original and sometimes controversial book is concerned with international regulation, negotiation and policy-making in the environmental realm. In particular, it focuses on toxic chemicals, and the ways in which risk associated with hazardous substances is assessed, and the policy outcomes that result. A key assertion is that the international arena is more favourable to environment groups while the domestic arena tends to favour industry. Perhaps surprisingly, the author posits that environmental organisations such as Greenpeace, while occupying the moral highground, oversimplify complex issues. While this can help stimulate action, the author argues it can hinder the development of effective policies at the international level. Grounded in major international case studies, the book is based on research into many international agencies and takes a multidisciplinary approach.

The Clitophon, a dialogue generally ascribed to Plato, is significant for focusing on Socrates' role as an exhorter of other people to engage in philosophy. It was almost certainly intended to bear closely on Plato's Republic and is a fascinating specimen of the philosophical protreptic, an important genre very fashionable at the time. This 1999 volume is a critical edition of this dialogue, in which Professor Slings provides a text based on an examination of all relevant manuscripts and accompanies it with a translation. His extensive introduction studies philosophical exhortation in the classical era, and tries to account for Plato's dialogues in general as a special type of exhortation. The Clitophon is seen as a defence of the Platonic dialogue. The commentary elucidates the Greek and discusses many passages where the meaning is not entirely clear.

Infrared astronomy has been revolutionised in the last few years by the advent of large, sensitive, infrared arrays, and the success of several infrared satellites. This handbook provides a clear, concise and accessible reference on all aspects of infrared astronomy. Throughout, the emphasis is on fundamental concepts, practical considerations and useful data. Starting with a review of the basic infrared emission mechanisms, we are shown how the earth's atmosphere affects and limits observations from ground-based telescopes. The important systematics of photometric accuracy are treated in detail. Spectroscopy - both stellar and otherwise - is explained, and illustrated with useful examples. An important chapter is devoted to dust, which plays such a central role. Finally, the technical background to infrared instrumentation is covered. This volume provides both an essential introduction for graduate students making infrared observations or reducing infrared data for the first time, and

Infrared astronomy has been revolutionised in the last few years by the advent of large, sensitive, infrared arrays, and the success of several infrared satellites. This handbook provides a clear, concise and accessible reference on all aspects of infrared astronomy. Throughout, the emphasis is on fundamental concepts, practical considerations and useful data. Starting with a review of the basic infrared emission mechanisms, we are shown how the earth's atmosphere affects and limits observations from ground-based telescopes. The important systematics of photometric accuracy are treated in detail. Spectroscopy - both stellar and otherwise - is explained, and illustrated with useful examples. An important chapter is devoted to dust, which plays such a central role. Finally, the technical background to infrared instrumentation is covered. This volume provides both an essential introduction for graduate students making infrared observations or reducing infrared data for the first time, and

This book provides a state-of-the-art review of practice in the collection of rainwater. It presents case studies with numerous examples from around the world which will help anyone intending to desig

Illustrates how to take advantage of using VBA in Word, with a no-nonsense introduction to Word Macros and VBA programming for power users and aspiring beginners.

This 1999 volume takes a critical look at the current divide over immigration policies. It hopes to shed light on the debate by bringing together papers that investigate the link between trade and factor mobility, particularly labour migration, from theoretical and empirical perspectives. It examines the substitutability between trade and migration, the impact of regional integration on the location of economic activity, the role of public goods provisions, and the political economy of migration. Several papers quantify the link between trade, trade policies, migration and income distribution in sending and receiving nations using econometric methods and general equilibrium simulations. Case studies of past and present migration episodes are also presented: the impact of NAFTA on migratory pressure and wage gaps; the trade-migration links between Eastern and Western Europe; and the historical experience with migration flows in the nineteenth century.

This is a simple and concise introduction to probability theory. Self-contained and readily accessible, it is written in an informal tutorial style with concepts and techniques defined and developed as necessary. After an elementary discussion of chance, the central and crucial rules and ideas of probability including independence and conditioning are set out. Examples, demonstrations, and exercises are used throughout to explore the ways in which probability is motivated by, and applied to, real life problems in science, medicine, gaming and other subjects of interest. This book is suitable for students taking introductory courses in probability and will provide a solid foundation for more advanced courses in probability and statistics. It would also be a valuable reference to those needing a working knowledge of probability theory and will appeal to anyone interested in this endlessly fascinating and entertaining subject.

Conflict and Reconciliation in the Contemporary World gives a concise, original and multi-faceted introduction to the study of modern conflict situations. Using eight case- studies, from four continen

Leaders of political parties often have to choose between conflicting objectives, such as influence on policy, control of the government, and support among the voters. This book examines the behaviour of political parties in situations where they experience conflict between two or more important objectives. The volume contains a theoretical introduction and case studies of party leaders in Germany, Italy, France and Spain as well as six smaller European democracies. Each case focuses on the behaviour of one of several parties in situations of goal conflict, such as the 'historic compromise' in Italy, the 1982 Wende in West Germany, the making of the new Swedish constitution in the 1970s, and the termination of the Austrian 'black-red' grand coalition. In their conclusions, the editors discuss how such leadership decisions can be understood and examine the causes of different choices among party leaders.

Leaders of political parties often have to choose between conflicting objectives, such as influence on policy, control of the government, and support among the voters. This book examines the behaviour of political parties in situations where they experience conflict between two or more important objectives. The volume contains a theoretical introduction and case studies of party leaders in Germany, Italy, France and Spain as well as six smaller European democracies. Each case focuses on the behaviour of one of several parties in situations of goal conflict, such as the 'historic compromise' in Italy, the 1982 Wende in West Germany, the making of the new Swedish constitution in the 1970s, and the termination of the Austrian 'black-red' grand coalition. In their conclusions, the editors discuss how such leadership decisions can be understood and examine the causes of different choices among party leaders.

Despite their increasing importance, there is little theoretical understanding of why nation-states initiate economic sanctions, or what determines their success. This 1999 book argues that both imposers and targets of economic coercion incorporate expectations of future conflict as well as the short-run opportunity costs of coercion into their behaviour. Drezner argues that conflict expectations have a paradoxical effect. Adversaries will impose sanctions frequently, but rarely secure concessions. Allies will be reluctant to use coercion, but once sanctions are used, they can result in significant concessions. Ironically, the most favourable distribution of payoffs is likely to result when the imposer cares the least about its reputation or the distribution of gains. The book's argument is pursued using game theory and statistical analysis, and detailed case studies of Russia's relations with newly-independent states, and US efforts to halt nuclear proliferation on the Korean peninsu

Despite their increasing importance, there is little theoretical understanding of why nation-states initiate economic sanctions, or what determines their success. This 1999 book argues that both imposers and targets of economic coercion incorporate expectations of future conflict as well as the short-run opportunity costs of coercion into their behaviour. Drezner argues that conflict expectations have a paradoxical effect. Adversaries will impose sanctions frequently, but rarely secure concessions. Allies will be reluctant to use coercion, but once sanctions are used, they can result in significant concessions. Ironically, the most favourable distribution of payoffs is likely to result when the imposer cares the least about its reputation or the distribution of gains. The book's argument is pursued using game theory and statistical analysis, and detailed case studies of Russia's relations with newly-independent states, and US efforts to halt nuclear proliferation on the Korean peninsu

This text presents a rigorous mathematical account of the principles of quantum mechanics, in particular as applied to chemistry and chemical physics. Applications are used as illustrations of the basic theory. The first two chapters serve as an introduction to quantum theory, although it is assumed that the reader has been exposed to elementary quantum mechanics as part of an undergraduate physical chemistry or atomic physics course. Following a discussion of wave motion leading to Schrödinger's wave mechanics, the postulates of quantum mechanics are presented along with essential mathematical concepts and techniques. The postulates are rigorously applied to the harmonic oscillator, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom, the variation method, perturbation theory, and nuclear motion. Modern theoretical concepts such as hermitian operators, Hilbert space, Dirac notation, and ladder operators are introduced and used throughout. This text is appropriate for beginning graduate students in ch

Alfred Cobban's The Social Interpretation of the French Revolution is one of the acknowledged classics of post-war historiography. This 'revisionist' analysis of the French Revolution caused a furore on first publication in 1964, challenging as it did established orthodoxies during the crucial period of the Cold War. Cobban saw the French Revolution as central to the 'grand narrative of modern history', but provided a salutary corrective to many celebrated social explanations, determinist and otherwise, of its origins and development. A generation later this concise but powerful intervention was reissued in this 1999 edition with an introduction by Gwynne Lewis, providing students with both a context for Cobban's own arguments, and assessing the course of Revolutionary studies in the wake of The Social Interpretation. This book remains a handbook of revisionism for Anglo-Saxon scholars, and is essential reading for all students of French history at undergraduate level and above.

From epidemics and earthquakes to tornadoes and tidal waves, the overwhelming power of Nature never ceases to instil humankind with both terror and awe. As natural disasters continue to claim human lives and wreak havoc in their wake, Perils of a Restless Planet examines our attempts to understand and anticipate such phenomena. Drawing upon case studies from ancient to present times, this book focuses on scientific inquiry, technological innovation and public policy to provide a lucid and riveting look at natural disasters. While shedding light on the elusive quality of Nature and the limits scientific study and laboratory replication impose on our understanding of her mercurial ways, the author extrapolates from the history of science to suggest how we may someday learn to warn and protect vulnerable populations on our small and tempestuous planet. Anyone interested in the power of Nature will find this book compelling and informative.

A growing number of adolescents do not have a supportive and trusting relationship with an adult in a birth, foster, adoptive, or chosen family. Through a variety of circumstances, they are literally or functionally 'alone'. Yet like all adolescents they need routine and sometimes specialized health care. This book is a collection of essays, case studies, and guidelines that describe the demography, philosophical, medical, legal, and developmental framework in which these youth and health care staff confront medical decision making. The authors address questions of consent, confidentiality, access to care, and the right to refuse or demand care. Throughout the emphasis is on the real-world experience of adolescents as they struggle to overcome the challenges of being alone. Professionals who work with these adolescents cannot replace their absent or disinterested families but can fulfill the critical role of trusted adult advisor.

A growing number of adolescents do not have a supportive and trusting relationship with an adult in a birth, foster, adoptive, or chosen family. Through a variety of circumstances, they are literally or functionally 'alone'. Yet like all adolescents they need routine and sometimes specialized health care. This book is a collection of essays, case studies, and guidelines that describe the demography, philosophical, medical, legal, and developmental framework in which these youth and health care staff confront medical decision making. The authors address questions of consent, confidentiality, access to care, and the right to refuse or demand care. Throughout the emphasis is on the real-world experience of adolescents as they struggle to overcome the challenges of being alone. Professionals who work with these adolescents cannot replace their absent or disinterested families but can fulfill the critical role of trusted adult advisor.

Awareness of the importance of sexuality and its disorders in the aging population is increasing as the proportion of older people grows. Based in part on the author's clinical experience and research at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, this book presents an up-to-date overview of the sexuality of aging men in health and illness, within a multidimensional conceptual framework, and taking account of physiological, psychological, interpersonal and social influences. Also discussed are the impact of medical illness, psychopathology and drugs, with a review of coping strategies in shaping individual sexual responses to aging and disease. Many case studies and vignettes are incorporated, and a chapter is devoted to the sexuality of older gay men. A balanced account of medical and psychosocial evaluation and treatment concludes the book, which will be of broad interest to clinicians and students interested in sexuality and aging.

During the past decade, mathematics education has changed rapidly, giving rise to a polarization of opinions among the community of research mathematicians. What is the appropriate balance between theory, technique, and applications? What is the role of technology? How do we fulfil the needs of students entering other fields? The purpose of this volume, the proceedings of a conference held at the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute in Berkeley in 1996, is to present a serious discussion of these educational issues, with a balanced representation of opposing ideas. Part I deals with general issues in university mathematics education; Part II presents case studies on particular projects; Part III presents a range of opinions on mathematics education in elementary and secondary schools; and Part IV presents the reports of the working groups.

This comprehensive revision incorporates the related themes in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Case studies are woven throughout the text in order to provide more practice with the process of mo

This book chronicles the policy debates on Islamism in the United States over the course of time, providing a comprehensive account of the origins of policy followed by a balanced critique and recommendations for change. It then delves deeper into the US political scene to analyze the historical, political, cultural, and security issues that might help explain America's preoccupation with Islam and Muslims. Furthermore, the author sheds much light on the multiplicity of regional and international factors, such as the political decay of the Middle Eastern state and the end of the Cold War, that shape the thinking of US officials about the contemporary Islamist phenomenon. In addition to examining the domestic, regional, and international context of US Islam policy, the book applies and tests the pronouncements of US officials in four representative case studies - Iran, Algeria, Egypt and Turkey. Finally, Gerges addresses the clash of civilizations debate and assesses the relative weight

Congregations in Conflict examines the nature of American congregations as institutions, looking in particular at how they deal with conflict within their ranks, to gain insight into religious culture, or the moral order of local religious life. In detailed and well documented case studies of conflict in twenty-three congregations Becker examines such factors as organizational processes, the extent and types of ties between church members, their shared understandings about mission and identity, and level of public commitment. From these factors, the author develops four models of local religious cultures, each of which emphasizes different aspects of the mission imperatives that broadly characterize American religion - to reproduce an historic faith, to provide a caring community of believers, and to witness. Becker finds vital 'public religion': congregations that provide caring and support for members, service to the local community, and important arenas for moral debate and public a

Congregations in Conflict examines the nature of American congregations as institutions, looking in particular at how they deal with conflict within their ranks, to gain insight into religious culture, or the moral order of local religious life. In detailed and well documented case studies of conflict in twenty-three congregations Becker examines such factors as organizational processes, the extent and types of ties between church members, their shared understandings about mission and identity, and level of public commitment. From these factors, the author develops four models of local religious cultures, each of which emphasizes different aspects of the mission imperatives that broadly characterize American religion - to reproduce an historic faith, to provide a caring community of believers, and to witness. Becker finds vital 'public religion': congregations that provide caring and support for members, service to the local community, and important arenas for moral debate and public a

This book chronicles the policy debates on Islamism in the United States over the course of time, providing a comprehensive account of the origins of policy followed by a balanced critique and recommendations for change. It then delves deeper into the US political scene to analyze the historical, political, cultural, and security issues that might help explain America's preoccupation with Islam and Muslims. Furthermore, the author sheds much light on the multiplicity of regional and international factors, such as the political decay of the Middle Eastern state and the end of the Cold War, that shape the thinking of US officials about the contemporary Islamist phenomenon. In addition to examining the domestic, regional, and international context of US Islam policy, the book applies and tests the pronouncements of US officials in four representative case studies - Iran, Algeria, Egypt and Turkey. Finally, Gerges addresses the clash of civilizations debate and assesses the relative weight

A balanced introduction to and examination of contemporary Japanese education. While the postwar system of schooling has provided valuable ingredients for economic success, it has been accompanied by unfavourable developments such as excessively competitive exams, stifling uniformity, bullying, and an undervaluing of non-Japanese ethnicity. This book offers up-to-date information and new perspectives on schooling in contemporary Japanese society, and uses detailed ethnographic studies and interviews with students and teachers. It examines the main developments of modern schooling in Japan, from the beginning of the Meiji era up to the present, and includes analysis of the most recent reforms. It develops a new picture of the role that schooling plays for individuals and the wider society. Essential reading for students and educators alike.

A balanced introduction to and examination of contemporary Japanese education. While the postwar system of schooling has provided valuable ingredients for economic success, it has been accompanied by unfavourable developments such as excessively competitive exams, stifling uniformity, bullying, and an undervaluing of non-Japanese ethnicity. This book offers up-to-date information and new perspectives on schooling in contemporary Japanese society, and uses detailed ethnographic studies and interviews with students and teachers. It examines the main developments of modern schooling in Japan, from the beginning of the Meiji era up to the present, and includes analysis of the most recent reforms. It develops a new picture of the role that schooling plays for individuals and the wider society. Essential reading for students and educators alike.

This book is not so much about how to interpret scripture as it is about what to do with scripture once one has interpreted it. Includes case studies of theologians authorizing or "proving" a theologi

The predictability of the physical arrangement of plants, at whatever scale it is viewed, is referred to as their spatial pattern. Spatial pattern is a crucial aspect of vegetation which has important implications not only for the plants themselves, but also for other organisms which interact with plants, such as herbivores and pollinators, or those animals for which plants provide a habitat. This book describes and evaluates methods for detecting and quantifying a variety of characteristics of spatial pattern. As well as discussing the concepts on which these techniques are based, examples from real field studies and worked examples are included, which, together with numerous line figures, help guide the reader through the text. The result is a book that will be of value to graduate students and research workers in the fields of vegetation science, conservation biology and applied ecology.

An integral part of engineering design is the development of models that describe physical behavior or phenomena in mathematical terms. As engineering systems have become more complex, classic linear methods of modeling and analysis have proved inadequate, creating a need for nonlinear models to solve design problems. This 1999 text provides an introduction to mathematical modeling of linear and nonlinear systems, with an emphasis on the solution of nonlinear design problems. While encouraging the use of the computer as a tool for modeling and analysis, the aim is to discuss the basic concepts underlying computer techniques and to seek analytical solutions. Among topics covered are exact solution, numerical solution, graphical solution, and approximate solution methods; and the stability of nonlinear systems. Numerous examples show how to apply modeling methods to real engineering systems. The book also includes end-of-chapter problems and case studies of challenging design problems. I

Engineers face numerous uncertainties in the design and development of products and processes. To deal with the uncertainties inherent in measured information, they make use of a variety of statistical techniques. This 1999 book presents single-variable statistical distributions that are useful in engineering design and analysis. It lists significant properties of these distributions and describes methods for estimating parameters and their standard errors, constructing confidence intervals, testing hypotheses, and plotting data. Figures are used extensively to clarify concepts. Methods are illustrated by numerous fully worked examples in the form of Mathcad documents that readers can use as templates for their own data, eliminating the need for programming. Intended as both a text and reference, the book assumes an elementary knowledge of calculus and probability. Graduate and advanced undergraduate students, as well as practising engineers and scientists, will be able to use this bo

Ecology: Principles and Applications is a comprehensive textbook for A-level students and first-year undergraduates taking courses in biology, geography and Earth sciences, who require an introduction to ecology. Studies of human ecology are integrated into the text, and the links to related disciplines are emphasised. The text begins with the ecology of individual organisms and moves on, through communities and ecosystems, to global considerations of biogeography, co-evolution and conservation. Case histories, historical perspectives, controversial theories and extension material are highlighted throughout the book. The second edition has been brought up to date with current syllabuses by the addition of further material on the key issue of conservation, giving excellent coverage of the principles of conservation and using case studies to provide examples of conservation policies in practice. The authors are experienced teachers of ecology at sixth form and undergraduate level.