The prefix operation on a set of data is one of the simplest and most useful building blocks in parallel algorithms. This introduction to those aspects of parallel programming and parallel algorithms that relate to the prefix problem emphasizes its use in a broad range of familiar and important problems. The book illustrates how the prefix operation approach to parallel computing leads to fast and efficient solutions to many different kinds of problems. Students, teachers, programmers, and computer scientists will want to read this clear exposition of an important approach.

Learning constitutes one of the most important phase of the whole psychological processes and it is essential in many ways for the occurrence of necessary changes in the behavior of adjusting organisms. In a broad sense influence of prior behavior and its consequence upon subsequent behavior is usually accepted as a definition of learning. Till recently learning was regarded as the prerogative of living beings. But in the past few decades there have been attempts to construct learning machines or systems with considerable success. This book deals with a powerful class of learning algorithms that have been developed over the past two decades in the context of learning systems modelled by finite state probabilistic automaton. These algorithms are very simple iterative schemes. Mathematically these algorithms define two distinct classes of Markov processes with unit simplex (of suitable dimension) as its state space. The basic problem of learning is viewed as one of finding conditions on the algorithm such that the associated Markov process has prespecified asymptotic behavior. As a prerequisite a first course in analysis and stochastic processes would be an adequate preparation to pursue the development in various chapters.

Dynamic data assimilation is the assessment, combination and synthesis of observational data, scientific laws and mathematical models to determine the state of a complex physical system, for instance as a preliminary step in making predictions about the system's behaviour. The topic has assumed increasing importance in fields such as numerical weather prediction where conscientious efforts are being made to extend the term of reliable weather forecasts beyond the few days that are presently feasible. This book is designed to be a basic one-stop reference for graduate students and researchers. It is based on graduate courses taught over a decade to mathematicians, scientists, and engineers, and its modular structure accommodates the various audience requirements. Thus Part I is a broad introduction to the history, development and philosophy of data assimilation, illustrated by examples; Part II considers the classical, static approaches, both linear and nonlinear; and Part III describes computational techniques. Parts IV to VII are concerned with how statistical and dynamic ideas can be incorporated into the classical framework. Key themes covered here include estimation theory, stochastic and dynamic models, and sequential filtering. The final part addresses the predictability of dynamical systems. Chapters end with a section that provides pointers to the literature, and a set of exercises with instructive hints.