The prayer of the heart is an early Christian contemplative tradition of striking profundity and beauty. Christian authors of the Greek- as well as the Syriac-speaking world placed the heart at the center of a mystical theology that viewed the body as a God-given instrument of divine ascent and the relational setting of Christian existence as an important means of experiencing God's abiding inner presence. This work sheds light on the Syrian church's approach to the mystery of the divine encounter.

Praise for "The Volatility Surface"

"I'm thrilled by the appearance of Jim Gatheral's new book "The Volatility Surface," The literature on stochastic volatility is vast, but difficult to penetrate and use. Gatheral's book, by contrast, is accessible and practical. It successfully charts a middle ground between specific examples and general models--achieving remarkable clarity without giving up sophistication, depth, or breadth."
--Robert V. Kohn, Professor of Mathematics and Chair, Mathematical Finance Committee, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University

"Concise yet comprehensive, equally attentive to both theory and phenomena, this book provides an unsurpassed account of the peculiarities of the implied volatility surface, its consequences for pricing and hedging, and the theories that struggle to explain it."
--Emanuel Derman, author of My Life as a Quant

"Jim Gatheral is the wiliest practitioner in the business. This very fine book is an outgrowth of the lecture notes prepared for one of the most popular classes at NYU's esteemed Courant Institute. The topics covered are at the forefront of research in mathematical finance and the author's treatment of them is simply the best available in this form."
--Peter Carr, PhD, head of Quantitative Financial Research, Bloomberg LP Director of the Masters Program in Mathematical Finance, New York University

"Jim Gatheral is an acknowledged master of advanced modeling for derivatives. In The Volatility Surface he reveals the secrets of dealing with the most important but most elusive of financial quantities, volatility."
--Paul Wilmott, author and mathematician

"As a teacher in thefield of mathematical finance, I welcome Jim Gatheral's book as a significant development. Written by a Wall Street practitioner with extensive market and teaching experience, "The Volatility Surface" gives students access to a level of knowledge on derivatives which was not previously available. I strongly recommend it."
--Marco Avellaneda, Director, Division of Mathematical Finance Courant Institute, New York University

"Jim Gatheral could not have written a better book."
--Bruno Dupire, winner of the 2006 Wilmott Cutting Edge Research Award Quantitative Research, Bloomberg LP

Aspects of Robust Statistics are important in many areas. Based on the International Conference on Robust Statistics 2001 (ICORS 2001) in Vorau, Austria, this volume discusses future directions of the discipline, bringing together leading scientists, experienced researchers and practitioners, as well as younger researchers. The papers cover a multitude of different aspects of Robust Statistics. For instance, the fundamental problem of data summary (weights of evidence) is considered and its robustness properties are studied. Further theoretical subjects include e.g.: robust methods for skewness, time series, longitudinal data, multivariate methods, and tests. Some papers deal with computational aspects and algorithms. Finally, the aspects of application and programming tools complete the volume.

Topics covered in this volume (large deviations, differential geometry, asymptotic expansions, central limit theorems) give a full picture of the current advances in the application of asymptotic methods in mathematical finance, and thereby provide rigorous solutions to important mathematical and financial issues, such as implied volatility asymptotics, local volatility extrapolation, systemic risk and volatility estimation. This volume gathers together ground-breaking results in this field by some of its leading experts. Over the past decade, asymptotic methods have played an increasingly important role in the study of the behaviour of (financial) models. These methods provide a useful alternative to numerical methods in settings where the latter may lose accuracy (in extremes such as small and large strikes, and small maturities), and lead to a clearer understanding of the behaviour of models, and of the influence of parameters on this behaviour. Graduate students, researchers and practitioners will find this book very useful, and the diversity of topics will appeal to people from mathematical finance, probability theory and differential geometry.

In the mid-nineteenth century successive cultural Bohemias were proclaimed in Paris, London, New York, and Melbourne. Focusing on networks and borders as the central modes of analysis, this book charts for the first time Bohemia's cross-Channel, transatlantic, and trans-Pacific migrations, locating its creative expressions and social practices within a global context of ideas and action. Though the story of Parisian Bohemia has been comprehensively told, much less is known of its Anglophone translations. The Bohemian Republic offers a radical reinterpretation of the phenomenon, as the neglected lives and works of British, Irish, American, and Australian Bohemians are reassessed, the transnational networks of Bohemia are rediscovered, the presence and influence of women in Bohemia is reclaimed, and Bohemia's relationship with the marketplace is reconsidered. Bohemia emerges as a marginal network which exerted a paradoxically powerful influence on the development of popular culture, in the vanguard of material, social and aesthetic innovations in literature, art, journalism, and theatre. Underpinned by extensive and original archival research, the book repopulates the concept of Bohemianism with layers of the networked voices, expressions, ideas, people, places, and practices that made up its constituent social, imagined, and interpretive communities. The reader is brought closer than ever to the heart of Bohemia, a shadowy world inhabited by the rebels of the mid-nineteenth century.

Explores how these conflicting scenarios could be reconciled; how can we shape a more sustainable energy system from the existing one; and possible technological progress and innovations to enable a brighter future.

Addresses the reality that there exists no consensus on the extent to which innovations can really contribute to reconciling ever-growing energy consumption, availability of resources and the environment, and the structural demands on any energy system.

Offers and explains a four-point strategy:

Energy should according to its importance regain a top priority in the political arena; higly targeted subsidies should be given for a limited amount of time to speed up the market introduction of energy-efficient and regenerative techniques in analogy to the Dutch model; Negotiated agreements and unilateral self-commitments can subsequently ensure further market diffusion of sustainable energy innovations.; the basic research in energy should not be diminished but intensified instead

In the mid-nineteenth century successive cultural Bohemias were proclaimed in Paris, London, New York, and Melbourne. Focusing on networks and borders as the central modes of analysis, this book charts for the first time Bohemia’s cross-Channel, transatlantic, and trans-Pacific migrations, locating its creative expressions and social practices within a global context of ideas and action. Though the story of Parisian Bohemia has been comprehensively told, much less is known of its Anglophone translations. The Bohemian Republic offers a radical reinterpretation of the phenomenon, as the neglected lives and works of British, Irish, American, and Australian Bohemians are reassessed, the transnational networks of Bohemia are rediscovered, the presence and influence of women in Bohemia is reclaimed, and Bohemia’s relationship with the marketplace is reconsidered. Bohemia emerges as a marginal network which exerted a paradoxically powerful influence on the development of popular culture, in the vanguard of material, social and aesthetic innovations in literature, art, journalism, and theatre. Underpinned by extensive and original archival research, the book repopulates the concept of Bohemianism with layers of the networked voices, expressions, ideas, people, places, and practices that made up its constituent social, imagined, and interpretive communities. The reader is brought closer than ever to the heart of Bohemia, a shadowy world inhabited by the rebels of the mid-nineteenth century.

Can you make the case for why you should inherit "someone's" fortune-despite your bizarre backstory, dubious relationship to the deceased, and increasingly silly accusations from the other players? Someone Has Died is a zany, improvisational storytelling game that places 3 to 6 players in the middle of a will arbitration. Using unique Identity, Relationship, and Backstory cards, each player must create a case for why they should inherit the contents of the will. For example, you might be a talking dog who was the deceased's roller disco partner-but can you explain the fact that you're also a visitor from the future, and why this means you deserve the deceased's collection of bottle caps? The result is a wild ride of persuasion, accusation, and laugh-out-loud fun. * ACCESSIBLE & EASY TO LEARN: Hilarious card combinations invite even reluctant improvisers and shy storytellers to the table, and the rules are simple enough to explain in ten minutes or less. Looking for a fun, addictive party game for players of any experience level to play again and again? Look no further! With new cards adding twists throughout, no two games are ever the same! * PERFECT FOR fans of voting games with a persuasive angle like Superfight and Funemployed, storytelling games like Once Upon A Time, and light roleplaying games like Fiasco. * INCLUDES: 77 Backstory cards, 31 Identity Cards, 27 Relationship cards, 28 Objection cards, instructions * FOR: 3 to 6 players, ages 13 and up, plays in approximately 25-35 minutes. Perfect for: Storytellers, theater kids, and improv enthusiasts; anyone looking for a pick-up-and-play, hilarious party game

Topics covered in this volume (large deviations, differential geometry, asymptotic expansions, central limit theorems) give a full picture of the current advances in the application of asymptotic methods in mathematical finance, and thereby provide rigorous solutions to important mathematical and financial issues, such as implied volatility asymptotics, local volatility extrapolation, systemic risk and volatility estimation. This volume gathers together ground-breaking results in this field by some of its leading experts. Over the past decade, asymptotic methods have played an increasingly important role in the study of the behaviour of (financial) models. These methods provide a useful alternative to numerical methods in settings where the latter may lose accuracy (in extremes such as small and large strikes, and small maturities), and lead to a clearer understanding of the behaviour of models, and of the influence of parameters on this behaviour. Graduate students, researchers and practitioners will find this book very useful, and the diversity of topics will appeal to people from mathematical finance, probability theory and differential geometry.

Aspects of Robust Statistics are important in many areas. Based on the International Conference on Robust Statistics 2001 (ICORS 2001) in Vorau, Austria, this volume discusses future directions of the discipline, bringing together leading scientists, experienced researchers and practitioners, as well as younger researchers. The papers cover a multitude of different aspects of Robust Statistics. For instance, the fundamental problem of data summary (weights of evidence) is considered and its robustness properties are studied. Further theoretical subjects include e.g.: robust methods for skewness, time series, longitudinal data, multivariate methods, and tests. Some papers deal with computational aspects and algorithms. Finally, the aspects of application and programming tools complete the volume.

Explores how these conflicting scenarios could be reconciled; how can we shape a more sustainable energy system from the existing one; and possible technological progress and innovations to enable a brighter future. Addresses the reality that there exists no consensus on the extent to which innovations can really contribute to reconciling ever-growing energy consumption, availability of resources and the environment, and the structural demands on any energy system. Offers and explains a four-point strategy: Energy should according to its importance regain a top priority in the political arena; higly targeted subsidies should be given for a limited amount of time to speed up the market introduction of energy-efficient and regenerative techniques in analogy to the 'Dutch model'; Negotiated agreements and unilateral self-commitments can subsequently ensure further market diffusion of sustainable energy innovations.; the basic research in energy should not be diminished but intensified instead

Fast alle Energieszenarien stA1/4tzen sich auf Trends, die auf ein enormes Wachstum des Energiebedarfs in den nAchsten Jahrzehnten hinauslaufen. Auf internationalen Konferenzen beschAftigt man sich indes mit dem Gegenteil: einer massiven Verringerung der Treibhausgasemissionen, vor allem der durch den Verbrauch von Energie verursachten CO2-Emissionen. Experten verweisen auch auf das politische Risiko der AbhAngigkeit vom ErdAl und die ErschApflichkeit von Ressourcen. Wie soll diese Kluft A1/4berbrA1/4ckt werden? Wie lAsst sich das bestehende Energiesystem nachhaltiger gestalten? Die Hoffnungen richten sich vor allem auf den technischen Fortschritt und Innovationen. Bislang liegen jedoch keine konkreten VorschlAge vor, inwieweit Innovationen tatsAchlich dazu beitragen kAnnen, einen stAndig wachsenden Energieverbrauch mit den Limitierungen im Hinblick auf die RessourcenverfA1/4gbarkeit und die Umwelt sowie den strukturellen Anforderungen an ein Energiesystem in Einklang zu bringen. Die vorliegende Studie fA1/4hrt wirtschaftswissenschaftliche, juristische, naturwissenschaftliche und philosophische Kompetenzen im Hinblick auf derartige VorschlAge zusammen. Aufbauend auf einer soliden Rekonstruktion der mitunter verwirrenden Vielfalt der Begriffe werden Beurteilungen des bestehenden Energiesystems vorgelegt und Nachhaltigkeitspotenziale aufgezeigt. Die strategisch gebA1/4ndelten Handlungsempfehlungen berA1/4cksichtigen die vielfAltigen Zielkonflikte umwelt- und energiepolitischen Handelns und werden durch ImplementierungsvorschlAge ergAnzt.

Coverage of the 2013 dance music festival held in Holland. Performers at the event included Frontliner, Endymion and The Gathering.

With the introduction of WAP in Europe and I-mode in Japan, mobile terminals took their first steps out of the world of mobile telephony and into the world of mobile data. At the same time, the shift from 2nd generation to 3rd generation cellular technology has increased the potential data rate available to mobile users by tenfold as well as shifting data transport from circuit switched to packet data. These fundamental shifts in nature and the quantity of data available to mobile users has led to an explosion in the number of applications being developed for future digital terminal devices. Though these applications are diverse they share a common need for complex Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and in most cases benefit from the use of programmable DSPs (Digital Signal Processors).

• Features contributions from experts who discuss the implementation and applications of programmable DSPs

• Includes detailed introductions to speech coding, speech recognition, video and audio compression, biometric identification and their application for mobile communications devices

• Discusses the alternative DSP technology which is attempting to unseat the programmable DSP from the heart of tomorrow's mobile terminals

• Presents innovative new applications that are waiting to be discovered in the unique environment created when mobility meets signal processing

Fast alle Energieszenarien stutzen sich auf Trends, die auf ein enormes Wachstum des Energiebedarfs in den nachsten Jahrzehnten hinauslaufen. Auf internationalen Konferenzen beschaftigt man sich indes mit dem Gegenteil: einer massiven Verringerung der Treibhausgasemissionen, vor allem der durch den Verbrauch von Energie verursachten CO2-Emissionen. Experten verweisen auch auf das politische Risiko der Abhangigkeit vom Erdol und die Erschopflichkeit von Ressourcen. Wie soll diese Kluft uberbruckt werden? Wie lasst sich das bestehende Energiesystem nachhaltiger gestalten? Die Hoffnungen richten sich vor allem auf den technischen Fortschritt und Innovationen. Bislang liegen jedoch keine konkreten Vorschlage vor, inwieweit Innovationen tatsachlich dazu beitragen konnen, einen standig wachsenden Energieverbrauch mit den Limitierungen im Hinblick auf die Ressourcenverfugbarkeit und die Umwelt sowie den strukturellen Anforderungen an ein Energiesystem in Einklang zu bringen. Die vorliegende Studie fuhrt wirtschaftswissenschaftliche, juristische, naturwissenschaftliche und philosophische Kompetenzen im Hinblick auf derartige Vorschlage zusammen. Aufbauend auf einer soliden Rekonstruktion der mitunter verwirrenden Vielfalt der Begriffe werden Beurteilungen des bestehenden Energiesystems vorgelegt und Nachhaltigkeitspotenziale aufgezeigt. Die strategisch gebundelten Handlungsempfehlungen berucksichtigen die vielfaltigen Zielkonflikte umwelt- und energiepolitischen Handelns und werden durch Implementierungsvorschlage erganzt."

Die praktische Relevanz verdeutlicht der Autor am Beispiel sogenannter Revisionsprojekte in Kernkraftwerken sowie verschiedener Problemstellungen aus der taktischen Projekt- oder Unternehmensplanung.