Mathematics of Discrete Structures for Computer Science

'Laughter', says Eric Weitz, 'may be considered one of the most extravagant physical effects one person can have on another without touching them'. But how do we identify something which is meant to be comic, what defines something as 'comedy', and what does this mean for the way we enter the world of a comic text? Addressing these issues, and many more, this is a 'how to' guide to reading comedy from the pages of a dramatic text, with relevance to anything from novels and newspaper columns to billboards and emails. The book enables you to enhance your grasp of the comic through familiarity with characteristic structures and patterns, referring to comedy in literature, film and television throughout. Perfect for drama and literature students, this Introduction explores a genre which affects the everyday lives of us all, and will therefore also capture the interest of anyone who loves to laugh.

The IUCN Academy of Environmental Law Research Studies' third colloquium of 2005 brought together more than 130 experts from 27 nations on nearly every continent. This book brings together a number of the papers presented there and offers a global perspective on biodiversity conservation and the maintenance of sustainable cultures. It addresses issues from international, regional, and country-specific perspectives. The book is organized thematically to present a broad spectrum of issues, including the history and major governance structures in this area; the needs, problems, and prerequisites for biodiversity; area-based, species-based, and ecosystem-based conservation measures; the use of components of biodiversity and the processes affecting it; biosecurity; and access to and sharing of benefits from components of biodiversity and their economic value.

Riparian Landscapes examines the ecological systems of streamside and floodplain areas from the perspective of landscape ecology. The specific spatial pattern of riparian vegetation is seen as a result of, and a control on, the ecological, geomorphological, and hydrological processes that operate along rivers. Riparian structures are controlled by the spatial dynamics of channels, flooding and soil moisture. These dynamics are part of integrated cascades of water, sediment, nutrients and carbon, to which animal and plant species respond in ways that illuminate community structure and competition. The role of the riparian zone in controlling species distribution and abundance is discussed. Intelligent management of these valuable ecological resources is highlighted. The potential for linking hydrological, geomorphological and ecological simulation models is also explored.

Riparian Landscapes examines the ecological systems of streamside and floodplain areas from the perspective of landscape ecology. The specific spatial pattern of riparian vegetation is seen as a result of, and a control on, the ecological, geomorphological, and hydrological processes that operate along rivers. Riparian structures are controlled by the spatial dynamics of channels, flooding and soil moisture. These dynamics are part of integrated cascades of water, sediment, nutrients and carbon, to which animal and plant species respond in ways that illuminate community structure and competition. The role of the riparian zone in controlling species distribution and abundance is discussed. Intelligent management of these valuable ecological resources is highlighted. The potential for linking hydrological, geomorphological and ecological simulation models is also explored.

Symmetric designs are an important class of combinatorial structures which arose first in the statistics and are now especially important in the study of finite geometries. This book presents some of the algebraic techniques that have been brought to bear on the question of existence, construction and symmetry of symmetric designs – including methods inspired by the algebraic theory of coding and by the representation theory of finite groups – and includes many results. Rich in examples and containing over 100 problems, the text also provides an introduction to many of the modern algebraic approaches used, through six lengthy appendices and supplementary problems. The book will be of interest to both combinatorialists and algebraists, and could be used as a course text for a graduate course.

Ride the waves before diving into the depths of sea to uncover the wonders of the ocean—and God’s deep love for you and me!From the ocean's surface, all the way to its deepest depths, this immersive picture book will teach little sea lovers new words, facts, and concepts, while also encouraging them to see God's creativity, playfulness, power, and love in every splash and every wave. Written by an elementary school teacher, each page includes fact-filled sidebars plus an accompanying Bible verse, making God's Little Oceanographer the perfect faith friendly science adventure for kids interested in marine life and activities. The masterfully layered and rich illustrations include sharks, dolphins, otters, sea turtles, whales, octopuses, and so much more!Story Locale:The OceanSeries Overview: A series that explores God's role and plan through science!

Why do the debates about evolution persist, despite the plentiful evidence for it? Breaking down the notion that public resistance to evolution is strictly due to its perceived conflict with religion, this concise book shows that evolution is in fact a counterintuitive idea that is difficult to understand. Kostas Kampourakis, an experienced science educator, takes an insightful, interdisciplinary approach, providing an introduction to evolutionary theory written with clarity and thoughtful reasoning. Topics discussed include evolution in the public sphere, evolution and religion, the conceptual obstacles to understanding evolution, the development of Darwin's theory, the most important evolutionary concepts, as well as evolution and the nature of science. Understanding Evolution presents evolutionary theory with a lucidity and vision that readers will quickly appreciate, and is intended for anyone wanting an accessible and concise guide to evolution.

Why do the debates about evolution persist, despite the plentiful evidence for it? Breaking down the notion that public resistance to evolution is strictly due to its perceived conflict with religion, this concise book shows that evolution is in fact a counterintuitive idea that is difficult to understand. Kostas Kampourakis, an experienced science educator, takes an insightful, interdisciplinary approach, providing an introduction to evolutionary theory written with clarity and thoughtful reasoning. Topics discussed include evolution in the public sphere, evolution and religion, the conceptual obstacles to understanding evolution, the development of Darwin's theory, the most important evolutionary concepts, as well as evolution and the nature of science. Understanding Evolution presents evolutionary theory with a lucidity and vision that readers will quickly appreciate, and is intended for anyone wanting an accessible and concise guide to evolution.

This is a concise and elementary introduction to stochastic control and mathematical modelling. This book is designed for researchers in stochastic control theory studying its application in mathematical economics and those in economics who are interested in mathematical theory in control. It is also a good guide for graduate students studying applied mathematics, mathematical economics, and non-linear PDE theory. Contents include the basics of analysis and probability, the theory of stochastic differential equations, variational problems, problems in optimal consumption and in optimal stopping, optimal pollution control, and solving the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation with boundary conditions. Major mathematical prerequisites are contained in the preliminary chapters or in the appendix so that readers can proceed without referring to other materials.

Praise for The Echo Wife:“For those familiar with Gailey's work, expect this one to offer familiar pleasures and some new surprises. And for those who aren't, well, get ready.” —Entertainment Weekly“Creepy, exhilarating science fiction... A series of dark reveals that leave both the characters and the audience reeling. Readers won't want to put this one down.” —Publishers WeeklyPraise for Magic for Liars“The sharpest female protagonist of the summer.”—The Mary Sue“A queerer, older, quicker-paced Harry Potter, concerned with the childhood grudges that adults can't get over.”—Refinery 29“Veronica Mars with a bit of Harry Potter.” —The Nerd Daily

Written for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, this is the first textbook on international relations theory to take a specifically game-theoretic approach to the subject, and provide the material needed for students to understand the subject thoroughly, from its basic foundations to more complex models. International relations theory is presented and analysed using simple games, which allow students to grasp the concepts and mechanisms involved with the rationalist approach without the distraction of complicated mathematics. Chapter exercises reinforce key concepts and guide students to extend the models discussed. Drawing examples from international security, international political economy, and environmental negotiations, this introductory textbook examines a broad array of topics in international relations courses, including state preferences, normal form games, bargaining, uncertainty and communication, multilateral cooperation, and the impact of domestic politics.

Written for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, this is the first textbook on international relations theory to take a specifically game-theoretic approach to the subject, and provide the material needed for students to understand the subject thoroughly, from its basic foundations to more complex models. International relations theory is presented and analysed using simple games, which allow students to grasp the concepts and mechanisms involved with the rationalist approach without the distraction of complicated mathematics. Chapter exercises reinforce key concepts and guide students to extend the models discussed. Drawing examples from international security, international political economy, and environmental negotiations, this introductory textbook examines a broad array of topics in international relations courses, including state preferences, normal form games, bargaining, uncertainty and communication, multilateral cooperation, and the impact of domestic politics.

Suitable for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers, this self-contained textbook provides an introduction to the mathematics lying at the foundations of bifurcation theory. The theory is built up gradually, beginning with the well-developed approach to singularity theory through right-equivalence. The text proceeds with contact equivalence of map-germs and finally presents the path formulation of bifurcation theory. This formulation, developed partly by the author, is more general and more flexible than the original one dating from the 1980s. A series of appendices discuss standard background material, such as calculus of several variables, existence and uniqueness theorems for ODEs, and some basic material on rings and modules. Based on the author's own teaching experience, the book contains numerous examples and illustrations. The wealth of end-of-chapter problems develop and reinforce understanding of the key ideas and techniques: solutions to a selection are provid

Suitable for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers, this self-contained textbook provides an introduction to the mathematics lying at the foundations of bifurcation theory. The theory is built up gradually, beginning with the well-developed approach to singularity theory through right-equivalence. The text proceeds with contact equivalence of map-germs and finally presents the path formulation of bifurcation theory. This formulation, developed partly by the author, is more general and more flexible than the original one dating from the 1980s. A series of appendices discuss standard background material, such as calculus of several variables, existence and uniqueness theorems for ODEs, and some basic material on rings and modules. Based on the author's own teaching experience, the book contains numerous examples and illustrations. The wealth of end-of-chapter problems develop and reinforce understanding of the key ideas and techniques: solutions to a selection are provid

Perfect for senior undergraduates and first-year graduate students in geophysics, physics, mathematics, geology and engineering, this book is devoted exclusively to seismic wave theory. The result is an invaluable teaching tool, with its detailed derivations of formulas, clear explanations of topics, exercises along with selected answers, and an additional set of exercises with derived answers on the book's website. Some highlights of the text include: a review of vector calculus and Fourier transforms and an introduction to tensors, which prepare readers for the chapters to come; and a detailed discussion on computing reflection and transmission coefficients, a topic of wide interest in the field; a discussion in later chapters of plane waves in anisotropic and anelastic media, which serves as a useful introduction to these two areas of current research in geophysics. Students will learn to understand seismic wave theory through the book's clear and concise pedagogy.

This book can form the basis of a second course in algebraic geometry. As motivation, it takes concrete questions from enumerative geometry and intersection theory, and provides intuition and technique, so that the student develops the ability to solve geometric problems. The authors explain key ideas, including rational equivalence, Chow rings, Schubert calculus and Chern classes, and readers will appreciate the abundant examples, many provided as exercises with solutions available online. Intersection is concerned with the enumeration of solutions of systems of polynomial equations in several variables. It has been an active area of mathematics since the work of Leibniz. Chasles' nineteenth-century calculation that there are 3264 smooth conic plane curves tangent to five given general conics was an important landmark, and was the inspiration behind the title of this book. Such computations were motivation for Poincaré's development of topology, and for many subsequent theories, so th

This book can form the basis of a second course in algebraic geometry. As motivation, it takes concrete questions from enumerative geometry and intersection theory, and provides intuition and technique, so that the student develops the ability to solve geometric problems. The authors explain key ideas, including rational equivalence, Chow rings, Schubert calculus and Chern classes, and readers will appreciate the abundant examples, many provided as exercises with solutions available online. Intersection is concerned with the enumeration of solutions of systems of polynomial equations in several variables. It has been an active area of mathematics since the work of Leibniz. Chasles' nineteenth-century calculation that there are 3264 smooth conic plane curves tangent to five given general conics was an important landmark, and was the inspiration behind the title of this book. Such computations were motivation for Poincaré's development of topology, and for many subsequent theories, so th

Compiled by a team of experts, this textbook introduces the properties and evolution of the most immediately visible objects in the Universe – stars. Designed for elementary university courses in astronomy and astrophysics, it starts with a detailed discussion of our nearest star, the Sun, and describes how solar physicists have come to understand its internal workings. It then considers how we study the basic physical properties and life-cycles of more distant stars, culminating with a discussion of more 'exotic' objects, such as neutron stars and black holes. This second edition has a greater emphasis on the physical and spectral properties of stars, introducing stellar atmospheres, spectral line formation and the role of binary stars in the formation of compact objects. Avoiding complex mathematics, and generously illustrated in colour throughout, this accessible text is ideal for self-study and will appeal to both amateur astronomers and undergraduate students.

Originally published in 1980, this was the first biography of William Wilkins, the regency architect whose reputation once rivalled that of Nash and who is probably the best known today as the designer of the National Gallery in London. The commissions he executed form an important part of our knowledge of the period; Wilkins' earliest major scheme was Downing College, Cambridge (1806) which helped to spark the Greek revival in Britain. He also, however, had a taste for the gothic, as evinced in his screen for the front of King's College. Making use of letters, sketches and notebooks, Dr Liscombe studies Wilkins's career in detail. He charts his development from mathematics student at Cambridge to Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy; he notes the technical innovations that affected his designs; he considers political and social ideas that lay behind his work; and he examines his friendships with influential figures.

This completely updated new edition of Weather Cycles: Real or Imaginary? explores in detail the unresolved debate on the existence of weather cycles. The book examines the competing arguments for observed effects being due to natural variability, solar activity and the Earth's orbital parameters. It provides a different perspective on one of the most difficult questions in the current global warming debate: namely, just how much of the recent temperature rise can be attributed to natural causes? Only by understanding how the climate can change of its own accord, and whether observed shifts are part of a set of predictable patterns, will it be possible to reach a reliable judgement on how much impact human activities are having. This book examines the complex analysis required to assess the evidence for cycles with a minimum of mathematics. This comprehensive and balanced account will appeal to the student and expert alike.

This completely updated new edition of Weather Cycles: Real or Imaginary? explores in detail the unresolved debate on the existence of weather cycles. The book examines the competing arguments for observed effects being due to natural variability, solar activity and the Earth's orbital parameters. It provides a different perspective on one of the most difficult questions in the current global warming debate: namely, just how much of the recent temperature rise can be attributed to natural causes? Only by understanding how the climate can change of its own accord, and whether observed shifts are part of a set of predictable patterns, will it be possible to reach a reliable judgement on how much impact human activities are having. This book examines the complex analysis required to assess the evidence for cycles with a minimum of mathematics. This comprehensive and balanced account will appeal to the student and expert alike.

Finding and interpreting the solutions of differential equations is a central and essential part of applied mathematics. This book aims to enable the reader to develop the required skills needed for a thorough understanding of the subject. The authors focus on the business of constructing solutions analytically, and interpreting their meaning, using rigorous analysis where needed. MATLAB is used extensively to illustrate the material. There are many worked examples based on interesting and unusual real world problems. A large selection of exercises is provided, including several lengthier projects, some of which involve the use of MATLAB. The coverage is broad, ranging from basic second-order ODEs and PDEs, through to techniques for nonlinear differential equations, chaos, asymptotics and control theory. This broad coverage, the authors' clear presentation and the fact that the book has been thoroughly class-tested will increase its attraction to undergraduates at each stage of their s

Just as ordinary symmetries relate various forms of matter to each other, and various basic forces to each other, so the novel concept of supersymmetry relates (Fermi) matter to (Bose) force. It is the aim of this book to provide a brief introductory description of the new physical and mathematical ideas involved in formulating supersymmetric theories. The book starts with a physical motivation of supersymmetry, a presentation of the mathematics of Lie superalgebras, supergroups and superspace. Techniques for constructing manifestly globally supersymmetric field theories are given, using the superfield formalism. To allow for a clear flow of ideas, the basic ideas and techniques are worked out in low space dimensionalities where the formulae do not obscure the concepts. Generalizations to four space-time dimensions are then readily come by. Some quantum aspects are discussed. Possible phenomenological applications are not emphasized. Supergravities, locally supersymmetric theories are

The 2006 edition of this authoritative guide on liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) science was produced in response to the wealth of new material generated in the field. It takes the reader through the theoretical underpinnings to real-world applications of LCP technology in a logical, well-integrated manner. A chapter on liquid biopolymers has been introduced, whilst the in-depth discussion on applications describes not only maturing fields of high strength structural LCPs, but also a detailed analysis of the developing area of functional materials. The in-depth coverage and detailed glossary establishes this as an indispensable text for graduate students and researchers in the polymer field, as well as being of interest to those working in chemistry, physics and materials science.

This is the first book to be dedicated entirely to Drinfeld's quasi-Hopf algebras. Ideal for graduate students and researchers in mathematics and mathematical physics, this treatment is largely self-contained, taking the reader from the basics, with complete proofs, to much more advanced topics, with almost complete proofs. Many of the proofs are based on general categorical results; the same approach can then be used in the study of other Hopf-type algebras, for example Turaev or Zunino Hopf algebras, Hom-Hopf algebras, Hopfish algebras, and in general any algebra for which the category of representations is monoidal. Newcomers to the subject will appreciate the detailed introduction to (braided) monoidal categories, (co)algebras and the other tools they will need in this area. More advanced readers will benefit from having recent research gathered in one place, with open questions to inspire their own research.

《科技、醫療與社會》期刊，英文名為 Taiwanese Journal for Studies of Science, Technology and Medicine，誠如其名，乃是專門刊載以「科學、技術和醫療」為研究對象的學術論文之刊物。

《科技、醫療與社會》期刊，英文名為 Taiwanese Journal for Studies of Science, Technology and Medicine，誠如其名，乃是專門刊載以「科學、技術和醫療」為研究對象的學術論文之刊物。

《科技、醫療與社會》期刊，英文名為 Taiwanese Journal for Studies of Science, Technology and Medicine，誠如其名，乃是專門刊載以「科學、技術和醫療」為研究對象的學術論文之刊物。

《科技、醫療與社會》期刊，英文名為 Taiwanese Journal for Studies of Science, Technology and Medicine，誠如其名，乃是專門刊載以「科學、技術和醫療」為研究對象的學術論文之刊物。

《科技、醫療與社會》期刊，英文名為 Taiwanese Journal for Studies of Science, Technology and Medicine，誠如其名，乃是專門刊載以「科學、技術和醫療」為研究對象的學術論文之刊物。

Most environmental statutes passed since 1970 have endorsed a pragmatic or 'precautionary' principle under which the existence of a significant risk is enough to trigger regulation. At the same time, targets of such regulation have often argued on grounds of inefficiency that the associated costs outweigh any potential benefits. In this work, Jason Johnston unpacks and critiques the legal, economic, and scientific basis for precautionary climate policies pursued in the United States and in doing so sheds light on why the global warming policy debate has become increasingly bitter and disconnected from both climate science and economics. Johnston analyzes the most influential international climate science assessment organizations, the US electric power industry, and land management and renewable energy policies. Bridging sound economics and climate science, this pathbreaking book shows how the United States can efficiently adapt to a changing climate while radically reducing greenhouse

Most environmental statutes passed since 1970 have endorsed a pragmatic or 'precautionary' principle under which the existence of a significant risk is enough to trigger regulation. At the same time, targets of such regulation have often argued on grounds of inefficiency that the associated costs outweigh any potential benefits. In this work, Jason Johnston unpacks and critiques the legal, economic, and scientific basis for precautionary climate policies pursued in the United States and in doing so sheds light on why the global warming policy debate has become increasingly bitter and disconnected from both climate science and economics. Johnston analyzes the most influential international climate science assessment organizations, the US electric power industry, and land management and renewable energy policies. Bridging sound economics and climate science, this pathbreaking book shows how the United States can efficiently adapt to a changing climate while radically reducing greenhouse

Behaviour describes animal and human behaviour, including environmental influence, behavioural development, courtship and social interaction. It covers all the material required for the study of behaviour at A-level, whilst at the same time providing an accessible and informative introduction to the fascinating science of behaviour. The authors provide a list of further reading for those who wish to learn more. The Advanced Biology Topics series of books will be of interest to students studying a wide variety of biological subjects at A-level, or as part of a vocational or undergraduate course.

The Cat in the Hat introduces young readers to nature’s perfect package! Young readers will be delighted to join the Cat in the Hat as he cracks open the science of eggs—from the different animals that lay them to the amazing shapes, sizes, and colors they can be! An ideal choice for supporting preschool and kindergarten egg science curriculum, kids will learn about kinds of nests, the stages of development inside a chicken egg, and much, much more. Fans of the hit PBS Kids television show The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! won’t want to miss this egg-citing new addition to the Learning Library series!

Optical techniques have a huge range of potential applications in signal processing and in the interconnection of digital computing systems. This 1995 book provides a detailed review of the key issues which must be addressed in the design, evaluation and implementation of practical systems for signal processing and optical interconnection. Considerations such as the computer modelling of optical design limitations, the size and noise characteristics of optical modulators, and the relative merits of free-space and guided-wave optical technology in different processing systems, are all discussed in detail. The book will be of great interest to optical researchers and designers, and to anyone wishing to learn about the basic techniques of optical processing.

Optical techniques have a huge range of potential applications in signal processing and in the interconnection of digital computing systems. This 1995 book provides a detailed review of the key issues which must be addressed in the design, evaluation and implementation of practical systems for signal processing and optical interconnection. Considerations such as the computer modelling of optical design limitations, the size and noise characteristics of optical modulators, and the relative merits of free-space and guided-wave optical technology in different processing systems, are all discussed in detail. The book will be of great interest to optical researchers and designers, and to anyone wishing to learn about the basic techniques of optical processing.

A big book full of fun alien-themed puzzles and fascinating facts about the search for extra-terrestrial life.Children will enjoy exploring the known universe and imagining unknown worlds as they crack alien message codes, finalize spaceship designs and hunt for hidden planets in this fact-filled book. The fun puzzle activities are designed to nurture key skills in maths, language and reasoning while providing plenty of science fact- and fiction-based fun.

The ideal review for your physics courseMore than 40 million students have trusted Schaum’s Outlines for their expert knowledge and helpful solved problems. Written by renowned experts in their respective fields, Schaum’s Outlines cover everything from math to science, nursing to language. The main feature for all these books is the solved problems. Step-by-step, authors walk readers through coming up with solutions to exercises in their topic of choice. 3,000 solved problemsProblems from every area of physicsClear diagrams and illustrationsComprehensive index Appropriate for all high school and undergraduate physics coursesStep-by-step solutions to problemsThousands of practice problems with a wealth of problems on each topic

The landed estates were one of the fundamental structures of early modern England. They were omnipresent, for they were not confined to the countryside but penetrated into every borough and city. English society was composed largely of landlords and tenants. It follows that to understand the nature of this society the relationship between the two must be studied, and in particular the role of the man who linked them: the estate steward. Stewards, Lords and People analyses the role of the estate stewards in the social mechanisms of later Stuart England. It is based on many years of research among more than 10,000 letters exchanged by stewards and their masters about estates as widely distributed as Northumberland and Cornwall, Cumberland and Sussex.

The landed estates were one of the fundamental structures of early modern England. They were omnipresent, for they were not confined to the countryside but penetrated into every borough and city. English society was composed largely of landlords and tenants. It follows that to understand the nature of this society the relationship between the two must be studied, and in particular the role of the man who linked them: the estate steward. Stewards, Lords and People analyses the role of the estate stewards in the social mechanisms of later Stuart England. It is based on many years of research among more than 10,000 letters exchanged by stewards and their masters about estates as widely distributed as Northumberland and Cornwall, Cumberland and Sussex.