Why are people often so unpredictable? Why do they do things which can often cause great personal harm even whey they know this to be the case? This volume seeks to address these and many other enduring questions through a detailed discussion of the chaotic nature of human existence. It explores three general areas, the first of which is neurobiology and genetics. The evolution of the mind is examined from a Darwinian perspective, drawing attention to the way chance and uncertainty in development are structured by natural selection. Key findings from current biological and medical research are reviewed, the interrelationship between genetics and experience is explored, and Gerald Edelman's theory of the evolution of the mind through natural selection is discussed. The second theme, cognition and collective action, is considered in the light of evidence indicating that the way we think is also subject to natural selection. Furthermore, it is argued that there is a meaningful distinction between reason (adaptive rationality) and formal rationality. Finally, recent research into chaos theory, order and complexity is reviewed.

Professionals in environmental health and safety (EHS) management use statistics every day in making decisions. This book was created to provide the quantitative tools and techniques necessary to make important EHS assessments. Readers need not be statistically or mathematically inclined to make the most of this book-mathematical derivations are kept to a minimum and subjects are approached in a simple and factual manner, complemented with plenty of real-world examples.
Chapters 1-3 cover knowledge of basic statistical concepts such as presentation of data, measurements of location and dispersion, and elementary probability and distributions. Data gathering and analysis topics including sampling methods, sampling theory, testing, and interference as well as skills for critically evaluating published numerical material is presented in Chapters 4-6. Chapters 7-11 discuss information generation topics-regression and correlation analysis, time series, linear programming, network and Gnatt charting, and decision analysis-tools that can be used to convert data into meaningful information. Chapter 12 features six examples of projects made successful through statistical approaches being applied. Readers can use these approaches to solve their own unique problems.
Whether you are a EHS professional, manager, or student, Health, Safety, and Environmental Data Analysis: A Business Approach will help you communicate statistical data effectively.

The nature of this book is to emphasize the inherent complexity and richness of the human experience of change. Now, the author believes there to be an acceptable "scientific" explanation for this phenomona. Explored here are 30 years of studies to describe nonlinear dynamics, today termed either chaos theory or complexity theory. The connotations of both theories are discussed at length. Offering social scientists validation in their attempts to describe and define phenomona of a previously ineffable nature, this book explores chaos' implications for psychology and the social sciences. It describes the benefits psychology can glean from using ideas in chaos theory and applying them to psychology in general, individual psycho-therapy, couples therapy, and community psychology, and also considers possible directions for research and application.

The nature of this book is to emphasize the inherent complexity and richness of the human experience of change. Now, the author believes there to be an acceptable "scientific" explanation for this phenomona. Explored here are 30 years of studies to describe nonlinear dynamics, today termed either chaos theory or complexity theory. The connotations of both theories are discussed at length. Offering social scientists validation in their attempts to describe and define phenomona of a previously ineffable nature, this book explores chaos' implications for psychology and the social sciences. It describes the benefits psychology can glean from using ideas in chaos theory and applying them to psychology in general, individual psycho-therapy, couples therapy, and community psychology, and also considers possible directions for research and application.

This text deals with the most fundamental deficiency of modern theory control: the lack of an easily applicable method for the design of low order controllers. It shows that solutions to many different problems in control all reduce to the same linear algebra problem. It employs matrix equalities and matrix inequalities in the solutions of fixed order control and also provides computational algorithms.

This book surveys the broad landscape of differential equations, including elements of partial differential equations (PDEs), and concisely presents the topics of most use to engineers. It introduces each topic with a motivating application drawn from electrical, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. The text has reviews of foundations, step-by-step explanations, and sets of solved problems. It fosters students' abilities in the art of approximation and self-checking. The book addresses PDEs with and without boundary conditions, which demonstrates strong similarities with ordinary differential equations and clear illustrations of the nature of solutions. Furthermore, each chapter includes word problems and challenge problems. Several extended computing projects run throughout the text.

A sourcebook offering an up-to-date perspective on a variety of topics and using practical, applications-oriented data necessary for the design and evaluation of internal fluid system pressure losses. It has been prepared for the practicing engineer who understands fluid-flow fundamentals.

Provides comprehensive coverage of all the fundamentals of quantum physics. Full mathematical treatments are given. Uses examples from different areas of physics to demonstrate how theories work in practice. Text derived from lectures delivered at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Why are people often so unpredictable? Why do they do things which can often cause great personal harm even whey they know this to be the case? This volume seeks to address these and many other enduring questions through a detailed discussion of the chaotic nature of human existence. It explores three general areas, the first of which is neurobiology and genetics. The evolution of the mind is examined from a Darwinian perspective, drawing attention to the way chance and uncertainty in development are structured by natural selection. Key findings from current biological and medical research are reviewed, the interrelationship between genetics and experience is explored, and Gerald Edelman's theory of the evolution of the mind through natural selection is discussed. The second theme, cognition and collective action, is considered in the light of evidence indicating that the way we think is also subject to natural selection. Furthermore, it is argued that there is a meaningful distinction between reason (adaptive rationality) and formal rationality. Finally, recent research into chaos theory, order and complexity is reviewed.

Introductory Mathematics for the Life Sciences offers a straightforward introduction to the mathematical principles needed for studies in the life sciences. Starting with the basics of numbers, fractions, ratios, and percentages, the author explains progressively more sophisticated concepts, from algebra, measurement, and scientific notation through the linear, power, exponential, and logarithmic functions to introductory statistics. Worked examples illustrate concepts, applications, and interpretations, and exercises at the end of each chapter help readers apply and practice the skills they develop. Answers to the exercises are posted at the end of the text.

Presents research contributions and tutorial expositions on current methodologies for sensitivity, stability and approximation analyses of mathematical programming and related problem structures involving parameters. The text features up-to-date findings on important topics, covering such areas as the effect of perturbations on the performance of algorithms, approximation techniques for optimal control problems, and global error bounds for convex inequalities.

"Based on the proceedings of the International Conference on Reaction Diffusion Systems held recently at the University of Trieste, Italy. Presents new research papers and state-of-the-art surveys on the theory of elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic problems, and their related applications. Furnishes incisive contribution by over 40 mathematicians representing renowned institutions in North and South America, Europe, and the Middle East."

What do atomic nuclei, neutron stars, a domestic power supply, and the stunning colors of stained glass in cathedrals all have in common? The answer lies in the unifying concept of quantum fluids, which allows us to understand the behavior and properties of these different systems in simple terms. This book reveals how quantum mechanics, usually considered as restricted to the invisible microscopic world, in fact plays a crucial role at all scales of the universe. The purpose of the book is to introduce the reader to the fascinating and multifaceted world of quantum fluids, which covers different systems at different scales in the physical world. The first part of the book discusses the notion of phases (solid, liquid, gas), presents basic aspects of the structure of matter and quantum mechanics, and includes some elements of statistical mechanics. The second part provides a description of the major quantum liquids, starting with the paramount case of electron fluids and their many applications in everyday life, followed by liquid helium and atomic nuclei. The authors go on to explore matter at very high densities, covering nuclear matter and compact stars, and the behavior of matter at extremely low temperatures, with the fascinating 'superphases' of superconductivity and superfluidity. The topic of quantum fluids has multidisciplinary applications and this book will appeal to students and researchers in physics, chemistry, astrophysics, engineering and materials science.

Accurate predictions of storm surge are of importance in many coastal areas in the world to avoid and mitigate its destructive impacts. For this purpose the physically-based (process) numerical models are typically utilized. However, in data-rich cases, one may use data-driven methods aiming at reconstructing the internal patterns of the modelled processes and relationships between the observed descriptive variables. This book focuses on data-driven modelling using methods of nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory. First, some fundamentals of physical oceanography, nonlinear dynamics and chaos, computational intelligence and European operational storm surge models are covered. After that a number of improvements in building chaotic models are presented: nonlinear time series analysis, multi-step prediction, phase space dimensionality reduction, techniques dealing with incomplete time series, phase error correction, finding true neighbours, optimization of chaotic model, data assimilation and multi-model ensemble prediction. The major case study is surge prediction in the North Sea, with some tests on a Caribbean Sea case. The modelling results showed that the enhanced predictive chaotic models can serve as an efficient tool for accurate and reliable short and mid-term predictions of storm surges in order to support decision-makers for flood prediction and ship navigation.

Differential geometry and topology have become essential tools for many theoretical physicists. In particular, they are indispensable in theoretical studies of condensed matter physics, gravity, and particle physics. Geometry, Topology and Physics, Second Edition introduces the ideas and techniques of differential geometry and topology at a level suitable for postgraduate students and researchers in these fields. The second edition of this popular and established text incorporates a number of changes designed to meet the needs of the reader and reflect the development of the subject. The book features a considerably expanded first chapter, reviewing aspects of path integral quantization and gauge theories. Chapter 2 introduces the mathematical concepts of maps, vector spaces, and topology. The following chapters focus on more elaborate concepts in geometry and topology and discuss the application of these concepts to liquid crystals, superfluid helium, general relativity, and bosonic string theory. Later chapters unify geometry and topology, exploring fiber bundles, characteristic classes, and index theorems. New to this second edition is the proof of the index theorem in terms of supersymmetric quantum mechanics. The final two chapters are devoted to the most fascinating applications of geometry and topology in contemporary physics, namely the study of anomalies in gauge field theories and the analysis of Polakov's bosonic string theory from the geometrical point of view. Geometry, Topology and Physics, Second Edition is an ideal introduction to differential geometry and topology for postgraduate students and researchers in theoretical and mathematical physics.

The methods and concepts presented in the bestselling first edition revolutionized the approach to the management and control of Lean companies. Enhanced with extensive end-of-chapter exercises and downloadable resources with Lean accounting tools, the second edition of this preeminent practitioner's guide is now suitable for classroom use. Practical Lean Accounting: A Proven System for Measuring and Managing the Lean Enterprise, Second Edition explains exactly what it takes to transform a traditional accounting system to one that supports and enhances a company's Lean efforts. Defining the fundamental principles of Lean accounting, it demonstrates how to use them to identify and eliminate wasteful transactions. The book includes coverage of cell performance measurement, use of the box score, operational and financial planning, cost targeting, Lean accounting diagnostics, and value stream mapping. Retaining the easy-to-use format that made the first edition a bestseller, this updated edition includes: A new section on the use of value stream performance measurements in continuous improvement A re-written Target Costing chapter that emphasizes a value-based approach to the management of the Lean value system A Lean Accounting Diagnostic tool to help you assess progress and develop a plan for implementing changes Cutting-edge examples that illustrate implementation in accounting departments Downloadable resources with data from the ECI Value Stream Cost Analysis case study included in the text, Excel templates, and end-of-chapter questions with solutions The book contains a wealth of tools that makes it ideal for company training sessions and advanced undergraduate and graduate-level courses. For each major example provided, two similar problems are included-one for instructors to guide students through and a second for students to work through on their own. An additional set of problems and questions for testing purposes are also available to instructors on the authors' website. Unfortunately, during the publishing process mistakes can be made that are not caught before the book is printed. Productivity Press takes great care to catch any errors prior to the printing stage.

The composition of portfolios is one of the most fundamental and important methods in financial engineering, used to control the risk of investments. This book provides a comprehensive overview of statistical inference for portfolios and their various applications. A variety of asset processes are introduced, including non-Gaussian stationary processes, nonlinear processes, non-stationary processes, and the book provides a framework for statistical inference using local asymptotic normality (LAN). The approach is generalized for portfolio estimation, so that many important problems can be covered. This book can primarily be used as a reference by researchers from statistics, mathematics, finance, econometrics, and genomics. It can also be used as a textbook by senior undergraduate and graduate students in these fields.

Pocket Book of Integrals and Mathematical Formulas, 5th Edition covers topics ranging from precalculus to vector analysis and from Fourier series to statistics, presenting numerous worked examples to demonstrate the application of the formulas and methods. This popular pocket book is an essential source for students of calculus and higher mathematics courses. It also provides an easy-to-use, accessible reference for mathematicians, engineers, scientists, and others seeking vital mathematical formulas, concepts, and definitions. Enlarging the type without sacrificing special topics involving financial mathematics and number theory, this 5th Edition: Includes several classic calculus applications that illustrate the power and practical use of calculus Discusses an interesting offshoot of Fermat's last theorem, namely, "near misses" Reformats and revises the table of integrals for improved clarity and accuracy Through careful selection of topics and detail, Pocket Book of Integrals and Mathematical Formulas, 5th Edition remains a portable yet comprehensive resource for students and professionals, containing the most important mathematical formulas for engineering and scientific applications.

Fuzzy sets, near sets, and rough sets are useful and important stepping stones in a variety of approaches to image analysis. These three types of sets and their various hybridizations provide powerful frameworks for image analysis. Emphasizing the utility of fuzzy, near, and rough sets in image analysis, Rough Fuzzy Image Analysis: Foundations and Methodologies introduces the fundamentals and applications in the state of the art of rough fuzzy image analysis. In the first chapter, the distinguished editors explain how fuzzy, near, and rough sets provide the basis for the stages of pictorial pattern recognition: image transformation, feature extraction, and classification. The text then discusses hybrid approaches that combine fuzzy sets and rough sets in image analysis, illustrates how to perform image analysis using only rough sets, and describes tolerance spaces and a perceptual systems approach to image analysis. It also presents a free, downloadable implementation of near sets using the Near Set Evaluation and Recognition (NEAR) system, which visualizes concepts from near set theory. In addition, the book covers an array of applications, particularly in medical imaging involving breast cancer diagnosis, laryngeal pathology diagnosis, and brain MR segmentation. Edited by two leading researchers and with contributions from some of the best in the field, this volume fully reflects the diversity and richness of rough fuzzy image analysis. It deftly examines the underlying set theories as well as the diverse methods and applications.

Everything You Need to Know about Mathematics for Science and EngineeringUpdated and expanded with new topics, The Mathematics Companion: Mathematical Methods for Physicists and Engineers, 2nd Edition presents the essential core of mathematical principles needed by scientists and engineers. Starting from the basic concepts of trigonometry, the book covers calculus, differential equations, and vector calculus. A new chapter on applications discusses how we see objects "mathematically" with the eye, how quantum mechanics works, and more. A Convenient, Student-Friendly Format Rich with Diagrams and Clear ExplanationsThe book presents essential mathematics ideas from basic to advanced level in a way that is useful to both students and practicing professionals. It offers a unique and educational approach that is the signature style of the author's companion books. The author explains mathematical concepts clearly, concisely, and visually, illustrating how scientists use the language of mathematics to describe and communicate physical principles. Be sure to check out the author's other companion books: The Materials Physics Companion, 2nd Edition The Physics Companion, 2nd Edition The Electronics Companion: Devices and Circuits for Physicists and Engineers, 2nd Edition The Chemistry Companion

Based on the author's junior-level undergraduate course, this introductory textbook is designed for a course in mathematical physics. Focusing on the physics of oscillations and waves, A Course in Mathematical Methods for Physicists helps students understand the mathematical techniques needed for their future studies in physics. It takes a bottom-up approach that emphasizes physical applications of the mathematics. The book offers: A quick review of mathematical prerequisites, proceeding to applications of differential equations and linear algebra Classroom-tested explanations of complex and Fourier analysis for trigonometric and special functions Coverage of vector analysis and curvilinear coordinates for solving higher dimensional problems Sections on nonlinear dynamics, variational calculus, numerical solutions of differential equations, and Green's functions

This book should be of interest to mathematics scientists working in the areas of linear algebra, abstract algebra, number theory, numerical analysis, operations research and mathematical modelling.

This monograph has two main purposes, first to act as a companion volume to more advanced texts by gathering together the principal mathematical topics commonly used in developing scattering theories and, in so doing, provide a reasonable, self-contained introduction to linear and nonlinear scattering theory for those who might wish to begin working in the area. Secondly, to indicate how these various aspects might be applied to problems in mathematical physics and the applied sciences. Of particular interest will be the influence of boundary conditions.

Sound risk management often involves a combination of both mathematical and practical aspects. Taking this into account, Understanding Risk: The Theory and Practice of Financial Risk Management explains how to understand financial risk and how the severity and frequency of losses can be controlled. It combines a quantitative approach with a more informal style, giving readers a blend of analysis and intuition. Divided into four parts, the book begins by introducing the basics of risk management and the behavior of financial instruments. The next section focuses on regulatory capital standards and models, addressing value-at-risk (VaR) models, portfolio credit risk, tranching, operational risk, and the Basel accords. The author then deals with asset/liability management (ALM) and liquidity management. The last part explores structured finance and a variety of new trading instruments, including inflation-linked products, sophisticated equity basket options, and convertible bonds. With numerous exercises, figures, and examples throughout, this book offers valuable insight on various aspects of financial risk management.

Presents the proceedings of the recently held conference at the University of Plymouth. Papers describe recent work by leading researchers in twistor theory and cover a wide range of subjects, including conformal invariants, integral transforms, Einstein equations, anti-self-dual Riemannian 4-manifolds, deformation theory, 4-dimensional conformal structures, and more.;The book is intended for complex geometers and analysts, theoretical physicists, and graduate students in complex analysis, complex differential geometry, and mathematical physics.