This textbook forms the basis for an advanced undergraduate or graduate level quantum chemistry course, and can also serve as a reference for researchers in physical chemistry and chemical physics. In addition to the standard core topics such as principles of quantum mechanics, vibrational and rotational states, hydrogen-like molecules, perturbation theory, variational principles, and molecular orbital theories, this book also covers essential theories of electronic structure calculation, the primary methods for calculating quantum dynamics, and major spectroscopic techniques for quantum measurement. Plus, topics that are overlooked in conventional textbooks such as path integral formulation, open system quantum dynamics methods, and Green’s function approaches are addressed. This book helps readers grasp the essential quantum mechanical principles and results that serve as the foundation of modern chemistry and become knowledgeable in major methods of computational chemistry and spectroscopic experiments being conducted by present-day researchers. Dirac notation is used throughout, and right balance between comprehensiveness, rigor, and readability is achieved, ensuring that the book remains accessible while providing all the relevant details. Complete with exercises, this book is ideal for a course on quantum chemistry or as a self-study resource.

Following a series of costly catastrophes, including the Asian Tsunami Disaster in 2004, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Sichuan Earthquake in 2008 and the Japan Earthquake in 2011, the purchase of property catastrophe reinsurance has become a major topic of debate. Many techniques for selecting an optimal retention and limit level have been proposed, but no entirely satisfactory method has been devised. Therefore, in practice, the setting of retentions and limits is still more a matter of judgment than science. In this study, we examine the determinants of property catastrophe excess-of-loss reinsurance retentions and limits for property-liability insurance companies in the U.S. insurance industry. A cross-sectional model is estimated using two-stage least squares regression. The regression analysis shows that most coefficients have the hypothesized signs and are significant. This study is the first research that provides clear evidence to support the relationship among retentions, upper limits, and co-reinsurance rates.