Crisscross, zigzag, bowtie, devil, angel, or star: which are the longest, the shortest, the strongest, and the weakest lacings? Pondering the mathematics of shoelaces, the author paints a vivid picture of the simple, beautiful, and surprising characterizations of the most common shoelace patterns. The mathematics involved is an attractive mix of combinatorics and elementary calculus. This book will be enjoyed by mathematically minded people for as long as there are shoes to lace. Burkard Polster is a well-known mathematical juggler, magician, origami expert, bubble-master, shoelace charmer, and 'Count von Count' impersonator. His previous books include ""A Geometrical Picture Book"", ""The Mathematics of Juggling"", and ""QED: Beauty in Mathematical Proof"". Want to learn more about knot theory? See ""The Knot Book"" by Colin Adams and ""Knots and Links"" by Dale Rolfsen. To read a review published in the ""Gazette of the Australian Mathematical Society"", click here.

Updated to conform to Mathematica 7.0, Introduction to Probability with Mathematica, Second Edition continues to show students how to easily create simulations from templates and solve problems using Mathematica. It provides a real understanding of probabilistic modeling and the analysis of data and encourages the application of these ideas to practical problems. The accompanying CD-ROM offers instructors the option of creating class notes, demonstrations, and projects.

New to the Second Edition

• Expanded section on Markov chains that includes a study of absorbing chains
• New sections on order statistics, transformations of multivariate normal random variables, and Brownian motion
• More example data of the normal distribution
• More attention on conditional expectation, which has become significant in financial mathematics
• Additional problems from Actuarial Exam P
• New appendix that gives a basic introduction to Mathematica
• New examples, exercises, and data sets, particularly on the bivariate normal distribution
• New visualization and animation features from Mathematica 7.0
• Updated Mathematica notebooks on the CD-ROM

After covering topics in discrete probability, the text presents a fairly standard treatment of common discrete distributions. It then transitions to continuous probability and continuous distributions, including normal, bivariate normal, gamma, and chi-square distributions. The author goes on to examine the history of probability, the laws of large numbers, and the central limit theorem. The final chapter explores stochastic processes and applications, ideal for students in operations research and finance.

Stochastic Limit Theory, published in 1994, has become a standard reference in its field. Now reissued in a new edition, offering updated and improved results and an extended range of topics, Davidson surveys asymptotic (large-sample) distribution theory with applications to econometrics, with particular emphasis on the problems of time dependence and heterogeneity. The book is designed to be useful on two levels. First, as a textbook and reference work, giving definitions of the relevant mathematical concepts, statements, and proofs of the important results from the probability literature, and numerous examples; and second, as an account of recent work in the field of particular interest to econometricians. It is virtually self-contained, with all but the most basic technical prerequisites being explained in their context; mathematical topics include measure theory, integration, metric spaces, and topology, with applications to random variables, and an extended treatment of conditional probability. Other subjects treated include: stochastic processes, mixing processes, martingales, mixingales, and near-epoch dependence; the weak and strong laws of large numbers; weak convergence; and central limit theorems for nonstationary and dependent processes. The functional central limit theorem and its ramifications are covered in detail, including an account of the theoretical underpinnings (the weak convergence of measures on metric spaces), Brownian motion, the multivariate invariance principle, and convergence to stochastic integrals. This material is of special relevance to the theory of cointegration. The new edition gives updated and improved versions of many of the results and extends the coverage of many topics, in particular the theory of convergence to alpha-stable limits of processes with infinite variance.

This book is specially designed to refresh and elevate the level of understanding of the foundational background in probability and distributional theory required to be successful in a graduate-level statistics program. Advanced undergraduate students and introductory graduate students from a variety of quantitative backgrounds will benefit from the transitional bridge that this volume offers, from a more generalized study of undergraduate mathematics and statistics to the career-focused, applied education at the graduate level. In particular, it focuses on growing fields that will be of potential interest to future M.S. and Ph.D. students, as well as advanced undergraduates heading directly into the workplace: data analytics, statistics and biostatistics, and related areas.

This book defines and investigates the concept of a random object. To accomplish this task in a natural way, it brings together three major areas; statistical inference, measure-theoretic probability theory and stochastic processes. This point of view has not been explored by existing textbooks; one would need material on real analysis, measure and probability theory, as well as stochastic processes - in addition to at least one text on statistics- to capture the detail and depth of material that has gone into this volume. Presents and illustrates 'random objects' in different contexts, under a unified framework, starting with rudimentary results on random variables and random sequences, all the way up to stochastic partial differential equations. Reviews rudimentary probability and introduces statistical inference, from basic to advanced, thus making the transition from basic statistical modeling and estimation to advanced topics more natural and concrete. Compact and comprehensive presentation of the material that will be useful to a reader from the mathematics and statistical sciences, at any stage of their career, either as a graduate student, an instructor, or an academician conducting research and requiring quick references and examples to classic topics. Includes 378 exercises, with the solutions manual available on the book's website. 121 illustrative examples of the concepts presented in the text (many including multiple items in a single example). The book is targeted towards students at the master's and Ph.D. levels, as well as, academicians in the mathematics, statistics and related disciplines. Basic knowledge of calculus and matrix algebra is required. Prior knowledge of probability or measure theory is welcomed but not necessary.

Many Smart Grid books include "privacy" in their title, but only touch on privacy, with most of the discussion focusing on cybersecurity. Filling this knowledge gap, Data Privacy for the Smart Grid provides a clear description of the Smart Grid ecosystem, presents practical guidance about its privacy risks, and details the actions required to protect data generated by Smart Grid technologies. It addresses privacy in electric, natural gas, and water grids and supplies two different perspectives of the topic-one from a Smart Grid expert and another from a privacy and information security expert.The authors have extensive experience with utilities and leading the U.S. government's National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST) Cyber Security Working Group (CSWG)/Smart Grid Interoperability Group (SGIP) Privacy Subgroup. This comprehensive book is understandable for all those involved in the Smart Grid. The authors detail the facts about Smart Grid privacy so readers can separate truth from myth about Smart Grid privacy. While considering privacy in the Smart Grid, the book also examines the data created by Smart Grid technologies and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications and associated legal issues.The text details guidelines based on the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Privacy Guidelines and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission Fair Information Practices. It includes privacy training recommendations and references to additional Smart Grid privacy resources. After reading the book, readers will be prepared to develop informed opinions, establish fact-based decisions, make meaningful contributions to Smart Grid legislation and policies, and to build technologies to preserve and protect privacy. Policy makers; Smart Grid and M2M product and service developers; utility customer and privacy resources; and other service providers and resources are primary beneficiaries of the information provided in

This book provides a lively and accessible introduction to the numerical solution of stochastic differential equations with the aim of making this subject available to the widest possible readership. It presents an outline of the underlying convergence and stability theory while avoiding technical details. Key ideas are illustrated with numerous computational examples and computer code is listed at the end of each chapter. The authors include 150 exercises, with solutions available online, and 40 programming tasks. Although introductory, the book covers a range of modern research topics, including Ito versus Stratonovich calculus, implicit methods, stability theory, nonconvergence on nonlinear problems, multilevel Monte Carlo, approximation of double stochastic integrals, and tau leaping for chemical and biochemical reaction networks. An Introduction to the Numerical Simulation of Stochastic Differential Equations is appropriate for undergraduates and postgraduates in mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, finance, and related disciplines, as well as researchers in these areas. The material assumes only a competence in algebra and calculus at the level reached by a typical first-year undergraduate mathematics class, and prerequisites are kept to a minimum. Some familiarity with basic concepts from numerical analysis and probability is also desirable but not necessary.

Simulation, Sixth Edition continues to introduce aspiring and practicing actuaries, engineers, computer scientists and others to the practical aspects of constructing computerized simulation studies to analyze and interpret real phenomena. Readers will learn to apply the results of these analyses to problems in a wide variety of fields to obtain effective, accurate solutions and make predictions. By explaining how a computer can be used to generate random numbers and how to use these random numbers to generate the behavior of a stochastic model over time, this book presents the statistics needed to analyze simulated data and validate simulation models.

This book provides an undergraduate-level introduction to discrete and continuous-time Markov chains and their applications, with a particular focus on the first step analysis technique and its applications to average hitting times and ruin probabilities. It also discusses classical topics such as recurrence and transience, stationary and limiting distributions, as well as branching processes. It first examines in detail two important examples (gambling processes and random walks) before presenting the general theory itself in the subsequent chapters. It also provides an introduction to discrete-time martingales and their relation to ruin probabilities and mean exit times, together with a chapter on spatial Poisson processes. The concepts presented are illustrated by examples, 138 exercises and 9 problems with their solutions.

This textbook has been developed from the lecture notes for a one-semester course on stochastic modelling. It reviews the basics of probability theory and then covers the following topics: Markov chains, Markov decision processes, jump Markov processes, elements of queueing theory, basic renewal theory, elements of time series and simulation. Rigorous proofs are often replaced with sketches of arguments -- with indications as to why a particular result holds, and also how it is connected with other results -- and illustrated by examples. Wherever possible, the book includes references to more specialised texts containing both proofs and more advanced material related to the topics covered.

The purpose of this book is twofold: first, it sets out to equip the reader with a sound understanding of the foundations of probability theory and stochastic processes, offering step-by-step guidance from basic probability theory to advanced topics, such as stochastic differential equations, which typically are presented in textbooks that require a very strong mathematical background. Second, while leading the reader on this journey, it aims to impart the knowledge needed in order to develop algorithms that simulate realistic physical systems. Connections with several fields of pure and applied physics, from quantum mechanics to econophysics, are provided. Furthermore, the inclusion of fully solved exercises will enable the reader to learn quickly and to explore topics not covered in the main text. The book will appeal especially to graduate students wishing to learn how to simulate physical systems and to deepen their knowledge of the mathematical framework, which has very deep connections with modern quantum field theory.

This book presents stochastic processes in a comprehensive, user-friendly and accessible way containing numerous worked examples. The large number of exercises allows readers to check their understanding of the underlying theory, along with their ability to apply stochastic modelling in their own fields, making the book an excellent basis for self-study. It assumes basic knowledge of calculus and probability theory. The authors also include important proofs and theoretically challenging examples and exercises, thus making the book attractive to those whose interest is more mathematical.

A good working knowledge of statistical principles is needed for both the design and analysis of biological experiments and the subsequent handling of the large amounts of data generated if worthwhile, reliable conclusions are to be reached.

Practical Statistics for Experimental Biologists, Second Edition provides biologists with a user-friendly, non-technical introduction to the basics of statistics. The book has been thoroughly revised and updated to incorporate:

• Worked examples and printouts from MINITAB
• Relevant case studies and applications
• Further Notes section for background explanations

Review of the First Edition

"...strongly recommended as the current first choice both for students and established research workers." Society for General Microbiology Quarterly

"...the book is refreshingly free from jargon, is well illustrated and is to be recommended." Trends in Biochemical Sciences

"It is written in an easy style, and can be thoroughly recommended..." Trends in Pharmacological Sciences

This book contains the notes of the lectures delivered at an Advanced Course on Combinatorial Matrix Theory held at Centre de Recerca Matematica (CRM) in Barcelona. These notes correspond to five series of lectures. The first series is dedicated to the study of several matrix classes defined combinatorially, and was delivered by Richard A. Brualdi. The second one, given by Pauline van den Driessche, is concerned with the study of spectral properties of matrices with a given sign pattern. Dragan Stevanovic delivered the third one, devoted to describing the spectral radius of a graph as a tool to provide bounds of parameters related with properties of a graph. The fourth lecture was delivered by Stephen Kirkland and is dedicated to the applications of the Group Inverse of the Laplacian matrix. The last one, given by Angeles Carmona, focuses on boundary value problems on finite networks with special in-depth on the M-matrix inverse problem.

The field of applied probability has changed profoundly in the past twenty years. The development of computational methods has greatly contributed to a better understanding of the theory. A First Course in Stochastic Models provides a self-contained introduction to the theory and applications of stochastic models. Emphasis is placed on establishing the theoretical foundations of the subject, thereby providing a framework in which the applications can be understood. Without this solid basis in theory no applications can be solved.

• Provides an introduction to the use of stochastic models through an integrated presentation of theory, algorithms and applications.

• Incorporates recent developments in computational probability.

• Includes a wide range of examples that illustrate the models and make the methods of solution clear.

• Features an abundance of motivating exercises that help the student learn how to apply the theory.

• Accessible to anyone with a basic knowledge of probability.

An accessible and clear introduction to linear algebra with a focus on matrices and engineering applications Providing comprehensive coverage of matrix theory from a geometric and physical perspective, Fundamentals of Matrix Analysis with Applications describes the functionality of matrices and their ability to quantify and analyze many practical applications. Written by a highly qualified author team, the book presents tools for matrix analysis and is illustrated with extensive examples and software implementations. Beginning with a detailed exposition and review of the Gauss elimination method, the authors maintain readers interest with refreshing discussions regarding the issues of operation counts, computer speed and precision, complex arithmetic formulations, parameterization of solutions, and the logical traps that dictate strict adherence to Gauss s instructions. The book heralds matrix formulation both as notational shorthand and as a quantifier of physical operations such as rotations, projections, reflections, and the Gauss reductions. Inverses and eigenvectors are visualized first in an operator context before being addressed computationally. Least squares theory is expounded in all its manifestations including optimization, orthogonality, computational accuracy, and even function theory. Fundamentals of Matrix Analysis with Applications also features: * Novel approaches employed to explicate the QR, singular value, Schur, and Jordan decompositions and their applications * Coverage of the role of the matrix exponential in the solution of linear systems of differential equations with constant coefficients * Chapter-by-chapter summaries, review problems, technical writing exercises, select solutions, and group projects to aid comprehension of the presented concepts Fundamentals of Matrix Analysis with Applications is an excellent textbook for undergraduate courses in linear algebra and matrix theory for students majoring in mathematics, engineering, and science. The book is also an accessible go-to reference for readers seeking clarification of the fine points of kinematics, circuit theory, control theory, computational statistics, and numerical algorithms.

This textbook offers a compact introductory course on Malliavin calculus, an active and powerful area of research. It covers recent applications, including density formulas, regularity of probability laws, central and non-central limit theorems for Gaussian functionals, convergence of densities and non-central limit theorems for the local time of Brownian motion. The book also includes a self-contained presentation of Brownian motion and stochastic calculus, as well as Levy processes and stochastic calculus for jump processes. Accessible to non-experts, the book can be used by graduate students and researchers to develop their mastery of the core techniques necessary for further study.

The book addresses the system performance with a focus on the network-enhanced complexities and developing the engineering-oriented design framework of controllers and filters with potential applications in system sciences, control engineering and signal processing areas. Therefore, it provides a unified treatment on the analysis and synthesis for discrete-time stochastic systems with guarantee of certain performances against network-enhanced complexities with applications in sensor networks and mobile robotics. Such a result will be of great importance in the development of novel control and filtering theories including industrial impact. Key Features Provides original methodologies and emerging concepts to deal with latest issues in the control and filtering with an emphasis on a variety of network-enhanced complexities Gives results of stochastic control and filtering distributed control and filtering, and security control of complex networked systems Captures the essence of performance analysis and synthesis for stochastic control and filtering Concepts and performance indexes proposed reflect the requirements of engineering practice Methodologies developed in this book include backward recursive Riccati difference equation approach and the discrete-time version of input-to-state stability in probability

The first comprehensive graduate-level introduction to stochastic thermodynamics Stochastic thermodynamics is a well-defined subfield of statistical physics that aims to interpret thermodynamic concepts for systems ranging in size from a few to hundreds of nanometers, the behavior of which is inherently random due to thermal fluctuations. This growing field therefore describes the nonequilibrium dynamics of small systems, such as artificial nanodevices and biological molecular machines, which are of increasing scientific and technological relevance. This textbook provides an up-to-date pedagogical introduction to stochastic thermodynamics, guiding readers from basic concepts in statistical physics, probability theory, and thermodynamics to the most recent developments in the field. Gradually building up to more advanced material, the authors consistently prioritize simplicity and clarity over exhaustiveness and focus on the development of readers' physical insight over mathematical formalism. This approach allows the reader to grow as the book proceeds, helping interested young scientists to enter the field with less effort and to contribute to its ongoing vibrant development. Chapters provide exercises to complement and reinforce learning. Appropriate for graduate students in physics and biophysics, as well as researchers, Stochastic Thermodynamics serves as an excellent initiation to this rapidly evolving field. Emphasizes a pedagogical approach to the subject Highlights connections with the thermodynamics of information Pays special attention to molecular biophysics applications Privileges physical intuition over mathematical formalism Solutions manual available on request for instructors adopting the book in a course

This set includes

Based on a well-established and popular course taught by the authors over many years, Stochastic Processes: An Introduction, Third Edition, discusses the modelling and analysis of random experiments, where processes evolve over time. The text begins with a review of relevant fundamental probability. It then covers gambling problems, random walks, and Markov chains. The authors go on to discuss random processes continuous in time, including Poisson, birth and death processes, and general population models, and present an extended discussion on the analysis of associated stationary processes in queues. The book also explores reliability and other random processes, such as branching, martingales, and simple epidemics. A new chapter describing Brownian motion, where the outcomes are continuously observed over continuous time, is included. Further applications, worked examples and problems, and biographical details have been added to this edition. Much of the text has been reworked. The appendix contains key results in probability for reference. This concise, updated book makes the material accessible, highlighting simple applications and examples. A solutions manual with fully worked answers of all end-of-chapter problems, and Mathematica (R) and R programs illustrating many processes discussed in the book, can be downloaded from crcpress.com.

Mastering chance has, for a long time, been a preoccupation of mathematical research. Today, we possess a predictive approach to the evolution of systems based on the theory of probabilities. Even so, uncovering this subject is sometimes complex, because it necessitates a good knowledge of the underlying mathematics. This book offers an introduction to the processes linked to the fluctuations in chance and the use of numerical methods to approach solutions that are difficult to obtain through an analytical approach. It takes classic examples of inventory and queueing management, and addresses more diverse subjects such as equipment reliability, genetics, population dynamics, physics and even market finance. It is addressed to those at Master s level, at university, engineering school or management school, but also to an audience of those in continuing education, in order that they may discover the vast field of decision support.

Offering the first comprehensive treatment of the theory of random measures, this book has a very broad scope, ranging from basic properties of Poisson and related processes to the modern theories of convergence, stationarity, Palm measures, conditioning, and compensation. The three large final chapters focus on applications within the areas of stochastic geometry, excursion theory, and branching processes. Although this theory plays a fundamental role in most areas of modern probability, much of it, including the most basic material, has previously been available only in scores of journal articles. The book is primarily directed towards researchers and advanced graduate students in stochastic processes and related areas.