The motion of a particle in a random potential in two or more dimensions is chaotic, and the trajectories in deterministically chaotic systems are effectively random. It is therefore no surprise that there are links between the quantum properties of disordered systems and those of simple chaotic systems. The question is, how deep do the connec tions go? And to what extent do the mathematical techniques designed to understand one problem lead to new insights into the other? The canonical problem in the theory of disordered mesoscopic systems is that of a particle moving in a random array of scatterers. The aim is to calculate the statistical properties of, for example, the quantum energy levels, wavefunctions, and conductance fluctuations by averaging over different arrays; that is, by averaging over an ensemble of different realizations of the random potential. In some regimes, corresponding to energy scales that are large compared to the mean level spacing, this can be done using diagrammatic perturbation theory. In others, where the discreteness of the quantum spectrum becomes important, such an approach fails. A more powerful method, devel oped by Efetov, involves representing correlation functions in terms of a supersymmetric nonlinear sigma-model. This applies over a wider range of energy scales, covering both the perturbative and non-perturbative regimes. It was proved using this method that energy level correlations in disordered systems coincide with those of random matrix theory when the dimensionless conductance tends to infinity."

Hopf algebras have been shown to play a natural role in studying questions of integral module structure in extensions of local or global fields. This book surveys the state of the art in Hopf-Galois theory and Hopf-Galois module theory and can be viewed as a sequel to the first author's book, Taming Wild Extensions: Hopf Algebras and Local Galois Module Theory, which was published in 2000. The book is divided into two parts. Part I is more algebraic and focuses on Hopf-Galois structures on Galois field extensions, as well as the connection between this topic and the theory of skew braces. Part II is more number theoretical and studies the application of Hopf algebras to questions of integral module structure in extensions of local or global fields. Graduate students and researchers with a general background in graduate-level algebra, algebraic number theory, and some familiarity with Hopf algebras will appreciate the overview of the current state of this exciting area and the suggestions for numerous avenues for further research and investigation.

Completely revised and updated, you will benefit from new and rewritten sections on: axial magnification Jackson Cross Cylinder tests retinoscopy reflex motions field of view the optics of indirect ophthalmoscopy optical aberrations diffractive lenses the Doppler shift lasers and the similarities and differences of Gaussian laser beams versus the propagation of light from a point source plus, a new appendix on angles and basic trigonometry. Although not a matrix optics text, matrices are used extensively in the chapters on spherical systems and off-axis aspects of astigmatism. In particular, the matrix treatment of astigmatism serves as a foundation for the recently developed, much improved statistical techniques that deal with refractive corrections and astigmatism in all its aspects. * Emphasizes conceptual understanding and development of optical intuition * Uses the vergence-dioptric power-wavefront approach * Helpful review for optometry boards and qualifying examinations

This volume is the result of a symposium titled "Constructivist Approaches to Atypical Development and Developmental Psychopathology." What emerges from the work included here is a record of innovative extensions, refinements, and applications of the concept of constructivism. The chapters not only demonstrate the compatibility of constructivism with investigations of atypicality, but also the generation of a constructivist perspective for a wide array of problems in developmental psychology.

The motion of a particle in a random potential in two or more dimensions is chaotic, and the trajectories in deterministically chaotic systems are effectively random. It is therefore no surprise that there are links between the quantum properties of disordered systems and those of simple chaotic systems. The question is, how deep do the connec tions go? And to what extent do the mathematical techniques designed to understand one problem lead to new insights into the other? The canonical problem in the theory of disordered mesoscopic systems is that of a particle moving in a random array of scatterers. The aim is to calculate the statistical properties of, for example, the quantum energy levels, wavefunctions, and conductance fluctuations by averaging over different arrays; that is, by averaging over an ensemble of different realizations of the random potential. In some regimes, corresponding to energy scales that are large compared to the mean level spacing, this can be done using diagrammatic perturbation theory. In others, where the discreteness of the quantum spectrum becomes important, such an approach fails. A more powerful method, devel oped by Efetov, involves representing correlation functions in terms of a supersymmetric nonlinear sigma-model. This applies over a wider range of energy scales, covering both the perturbative and non-perturbative regimes. It was proved using this method that energy level correlations in disordered systems coincide with those of random matrix theory when the dimensionless conductance tends to infinity.

For developmental scientists, the nature versus nurture debate has been settled for some time. Neither nature nor nurture alone provides the answer. It is nature and nurture in concert that shape developmental pathways and outcomes, from health to behavior to competence. This insight has moved far beyond the assertion that both nature and nurture matter, progressing into the fascinating terrain of how they interact over the course of development. In this volume, students, practitioners, policy analysts, and others with a serious interest in human development will learn what is transpiring in this new paradigm from the developmental scientists working at the cutting edge, from neural mechanisms to population studies, and from basic laboratory science to clinical and community interventions. Early childhood development is the critical focus of this volume, because many of the important nature-nurture interactions occur then, with significant influences on lifelong developmental trajectories.

For developmental scientists, the nature versus nurture debate has been settled for some time. Neither nature nor nurture alone provides the answer. It is nature and nurture in concert that shape developmental pathways and outcomes, from health to behavior to competence. This insight has moved far beyond the assertion that both nature and nurture matter, progressing into the fascinating terrain of how they interact over the course of development. In this volume, students, practitioners, policy analysts, and others with a serious interest in human development will learn what is transpiring in this new paradigm from the developmental scientists working at the cutting edge, from neural mechanisms to population studies, and from basic laboratory science to clinical and community interventions. Early childhood development is the critical focus of this volume, because many of the important nature-nurture interactions occur then, with significant influences on lifelong developmental trajectories.

The technique of regression analysis is used so often in business and economics today that an understanding of its use is necessary for almost everyone engaged in the field. This book covers essential elements of building and understanding regression models in a business/economic context in an intuitive manner. The book provides a non-theoretical treatment that is accessible to readers with even a limited statistical background. This book describes exactly how regression models are developed and evaluated. The data used in the book are the kind of data managers are faced with in the real world. The book provides instructions and screen shots for using Microsoft Excel to build business/economic regression models. Upon completion, the reader will be able to interpret the output of the regression models and evaluate the models for accuracy and shortcomings.

Wisdom is the power to see what is always and already right and true. It's that aspect of ourselves that innately possesses the ability to discern truth from falsehood. Nevertheless, when we're born, we didn't come with an operating manual showing us how to live from our natural state of wisdom. All the parts were in the box, but the directions were left out. And since most around us haven't awakened their inner sage, it's no wonder we experience so many challenges in life. And yet if wisdom really is fully present and available within each one of us, why does it seem so difficult to access and live from? If wisdom is a flower that only blossoms under the proper conditions, we are wise to know what those conditions are. Conversely, we are wise to notice what suppresses our innate wisdom so that it's opposite quality, ignorance, doesn't blossom. After all, wouldn't the quality of our lives then, ultimately be dependent upon which half blooms? What might happen if we put aside everything we've accumulated up to this point, and suspend all that we think we know for a time, for the very real possibility of experiencing a different reality, right now? What might happen if we approach concepts we may have been exposed to before in a very different manner - a manner without expectations, conclusions, agreements or disagreements - and without any reference to the mind to tell us what's real and true? When Wisdom Blooms - Awaken the Sage Within explores these questions and more in depth, with the intent of discovering what awakens our inner sage who patiently waits to be discovered.

When we were born, we didn't come with an operating manual showing us how to live from our natural state of wisdom, love and happiness. All the parts were in the box, but the directions were left out. Since most around us haven't figured out how to put it all together, confusion and suffering is often the result. What we perceive, we receive - and what we live, we teach. Fortunately, in each moment, life invites us to 'crack the code' and live from our natural state of being and perceive reality as it is, not as we'd like it to be. There is an immense difference in the two perceptions, and in that difference our release is found. But first, we need to challenge what we hold as true.

Assuredly, it is not what you 'know' that holds the key to a radical transformation. The 'answer' isn't found in the accumulation of all that you've come to know and believe, but in what you presently aren't aware of. All your spiritual ideas and beliefs about what is real and true haven't brought about the peace and contentment you've been seeking, has it? It's like facing west if we want to enjoy the sunset. If we are facing east, as much as we want to enjoy the sunset, it just won't happen. And yet, if we turn and face the proper direction, we get to experience the wonder and magnificence that was there all along.

In order to see how we create our experience, we need to notice what we think is true. What we think is true determines how we see the world, and how we see the world shapes our moment-to-moment experience. Can you suspend all that you think you know for the time being, including all your beliefs and opinions for the sake of discovering a whole new possibility? Can you temporarily put aside reluctance and fear for the chance of another possibility that can transform everything? Can you meet this moment innocent and pure, and without any expectation or demand? It is in this open state of discovery where your true freedom lies - in that space of awareness that is free of fear, doubt and worry.

"The Alex P. Keats Trilogy On Wisdom, Love and Happiness" is an invitation to step into the Unknown with openness and curiosity. It's an opportunity to deeply inquire into how our experience unfolds, with the aim of seeing as wisdom sees. It consists of three separate books ("Born To Be Happy," "When Wisdom Blooms" and "The Dance of Imperfection") that can be read in succession and digested as one, or if you desire, you can skip around and read in no particular order. In the end, if you give up the need to seek for the 'answers', you may begin to sense that which is beyond answers - and your life may be transformed in ways you only imagined.

Conventional wisdom would have us believe perception is reality, and that if we perceive something about ourselves, it must be true. However, for anything to be real and true, it must be present and observable. In other words, we must have the ability to validate its existence in our experience - and not just solely in our minds. Just because we perceive something to be real doesn't make it real, does it? If we perceive ourselves to be inadequate, what tells us this? The fact is we give all kinds of concepts reality - and we suffer. The antidote is simple and profound, and it takes literally no effort on our part. The antidote is to question whether there is, or has ever been such as thing as "defects" or "flaws" in our character and personality. Aside from in our perceptual interpretations, where is it? If we cannot find it upon the closest examination, why do we insist on giving life to something that has no existence in reality, especially if it hurts? Because everyone else does? Once the idea of "imperfection" was believed in, we've spent so much energy towards masking or strengthening our deficiencies we assume to be real. We've wasted so much energy entertaining and believing in the mind's assertions like, "I'm not good enough," "I'm not worthy enough," "Others have it, but I don't" and "If only I could get rid of my faults, then I'd be happy and secure." Like a house of cards, it all collapses when the plug is pulled on the notion there's actually a valid reason to feel insecure and unworthy. It all deconstructs when we root out and sever the main belief that says, "Imperfection is a fact of existence that we simply must cope with " Is that so? Only when we re-examine all that we've been told, only when we investigate and see it's NOT just a matter of semantics, do we give ourselves the ability to fully embrace all that we are. No longer do we engage in mind supported strategies that continue to reinforce the basic error. Free from the need to compensate for or run from our once-perceived flaws, the desire to bolster or cultivate anything drops away. We're left simply enjoying life, spontaneously from being - living in perfect harmony with life.

If we really are born to be happy, then why is it so elusive to so many of us? Is happiness really dependent upon the circumstances in our lives - or is there more to it than that? How do our beliefs and our past affect our ability to be truly happy? "Born To Be Happy - How to Uncover Your Natural State of Happiness" by Alex P. Keats, explores these questions in depth and will help you discover how to live in harmony with the happiness that's already your natural state. Tapping into both ancient wisdom and your inner wisdom that already knows what's true, you'll understand why so many methods and strategies for happiness are short-lived and fleeting. As a result, you'll be armed with the knowledge that opens the floodgates to your natural state of happiness ... and your life will never be the same.

'One has often wondered whether upon the whole earth there is anything so unintelligent, so unapt to perceive how the world is really going, as an ordinary young Englishman of our upper class.' Poet, education reformer, social theorist and passionate critic of Victorian England, Matthew Arnold condemned an industrial society in 'bondage to machinery' and argued instead that the wonder and joy of culture - in particular the 'sweetness and light' of classical civilization - were essential to human life. The other pieces here, on literary criticism, schools, France, journalism and democracy, form a powerful call to arms from a writer who believed that the English needed to be taught not what to think, but how to think. Edited with an introduction by P. J. Keating.

Cost benefit analysis is often expected or required for government projects. On the state and local level, the technique is useful for assessing the worthiness of a specific policy proposal. The accounting and analysis of large scale technical projects require specialized training; in this manual, we offer a non-theoretical introduction to CBA, accessible to readers without an advanced statistical or economic background. The book is designed as a how-to primer in the basics of CBA for local officials who actually evaluate proposals or merely interpret reports using cost benefit analysis. A Reference List is provided for further study.