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  3. Encyclopedia of Mathematics and its Applications

This series is devoted to significant topics or themes that have wide application in mathematics or mathematical science and for which a detailed development of the abstract theory is less important than a thorough and concrete exploration of the implications and applications. Books in The Encyclopedia of Mathematics and Its Applications cover their subject comprehensively. Less important results may be summarized as exercises at the ends of chapters. For technicalities, readers can be referred to the bibliography, which is expected to be comprehensive. As a result, volumes are encyclopedic references or manageable guides to major subjects.

  • Editorial Boards: R. Doran, M. Ismail, T.-Y. Lam, E. Lutwak

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176 results in Encyclopedia of Mathematics and its Applications

Page 6 of 9

Skew Fields
  • Theory of General Division Rings
  • P. M. Cohn
  • Published online:
    05 November 2011
    Print publication:
    28 July 1995
  • Non-commutative fields (also called skew fields or division rings) have not been studied as thoroughly as their commutative counterparts, and most accounts have hitherto been confined to division algebras - that is skew fields finite dimensional over their centre. Based on the author's LMS lecture note volume Skew Field Constructions, the present work offers a comprehensive account of skew fields. The axiomatic foundation, and a precise description of the embedding problem, is followed by an account of algebraic and topological construction methods, in particular, the author's general embedding theory is presented with full proofs, leading to the construction of skew fields. The powerful coproduct theorem of G. M. Bergman is proved here, as well as the properties of the matrix reduction functor, a useful but little-known construction providing a source of examples and counter-examples. The construction and basic properties of existentially closed skew fields are given, leading to an example of a model class with an infinite forcing companion which is not axiomatizable.

Functional Equations in Several Variables
  • J. Aczel, J. Dhombres
  • Published online:
    05 November 2011
    Print publication:
    06 April 1989
  • This treatise deals with modern theory of functional equations in several variables and their applications to mathematics, information theory, and the natural, behavioural and social sciences. The authors have chosen to emphasize applications, though not at the expense of theory, so they have kept the prerequisites to a minimum; the reader need be familiar only with calculus and elementary algebra, and have a basic knowledge of Lebesgue integration. Where, for certain applications, more advanced topics are needed, the authors have included references and explained the results used. Moreover, the book has been designed so that the chapters can be read almost independently of each other, enabling a selection of material to be chosen for introductory and advanced courses. At the end of each chapter are included exercises and further results, some 400 in all, which extend the material presented in the text and also test it. The history of functional equations is well documented in a final chapter which is complemented by an encyclopedic bibliography running to over 1600 items.

Factorization Calculus and Geometric Probability
  • R. V. Ambartzumian
  • Published online:
    05 November 2011
    Print publication:
    28 September 1990
  • This unique book develops the classical subjects of geometric probability and integral geometry, and the more modern one of stochastic geometry, in rather a novel way to provide a unifying framework in which they can be studied. The author focuses on factorisation properties of measures and probabilities implied by the assumption of their invariance with respect to a group, in order to investigate non-trivial factors. The study of these properties is the central theme of the book. Basic facts about integral geometry and random point process theory are developed in a simple geometric way, so that the whole approach is suitable for a non-specialist audience. Even in the later chapters, where the factorisation principles are applied to geometrical processes, the prerequisites are only standard courses on probability and analysis. The main ideas presented here have application to such areas as stereology and tomography, geometrical statistics, pattern and texture analysis. This book will be well suited as a starting point for individuals working in those areas to learn about the mathematical framework. It will also prove valuable as an introduction to geometric probability theory and integral geometry based on modern ideas.

Design Theory
  • Volume 1, 2nd edition
  • Thomas Beth, Deiter Jungnickel, Hanfried Lenz
  • Published online:
    26 October 2011
    Print publication:
    18 November 1999
  • This is the first volume of the second edition of the standard text on design theory. Since the first edition there has been extensive development of the theory and this book has been thoroughly rewritten and extended during that time. In particular the growing importance of discrete mathematics to many parts of engineering and science have made designs a useful tool for applications. It is suitable for advanced courses and as a reference work, not only for researchers in discrete mathematics or finite algebra, but also for those working in computer and communications engineering and other mathematically oriented disciplines. Exercises are included throughout, and the book concludes with an extensive and updated bibliography of well over 1800 items.

Convex Functions
  • Constructions, Characterizations and Counterexamples
  • Jonathan M. Borwein, Jon D. Vanderwerff
  • Published online:
    07 September 2011
    Print publication:
    14 January 2010
  • Like differentiability, convexity is a natural and powerful property of functions that plays a significant role in many areas of mathematics, both pure and applied. It ties together notions from topology, algebra, geometry and analysis, and is an important tool in optimization, mathematical programming and game theory. This book, which is the product of a collaboration of over 15 years, is unique in that it focuses on convex functions themselves, rather than on convex analysis. The authors explore the various classes and their characteristics and applications, treating convex functions in both Euclidean and Banach spaces. The book can either be read sequentially for a graduate course, or dipped into by researchers and practitioners. Each chapter contains a variety of specific examples, and over 600 exercises are included, ranging in difficulty from early graduate to research level.

Stochastic Control and Mathematical Modeling
  • Applications in Economics
  • Hiroaki Morimoto
  • Published online:
    07 September 2011
    Print publication:
    29 January 2010
  • This is a concise and elementary introduction to stochastic control and mathematical modelling. This book is designed for researchers in stochastic control theory studying its application in mathematical economics and those in economics who are interested in mathematical theory in control. It is also a good guide for graduate students studying applied mathematics, mathematical economics, and non-linear PDE theory. Contents include the basics of analysis and probability, the theory of stochastic differential equations, variational problems, problems in optimal consumption and in optimal stopping, optimal pollution control, and solving the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation with boundary conditions. Major mathematical prerequisites are contained in the preliminary chapters or in the appendix so that readers can proceed without referring to other materials.

Modules over Endomorphism Rings
  • Theodore G. Faticoni
  • Published online:
    07 September 2011
    Print publication:
    22 October 2009
  • This is an extensive synthesis of recent work in the study of endomorphism rings and their modules, bringing together direct sum decompositions of modules, the class number of an algebraic number field, point set topological spaces, and classical noncommutative localization. The main idea behind the book is to study modules G over a ring R via their endomorphism ring EndR(G). The author discusses a wealth of results that classify G and EndR(G) via numerous properties, and in particular results from point set topology are used to provide a complete characterization of the direct sum decomposition properties of G. For graduate students this is a useful introduction, while the more experienced mathematician will discover that the book contains results that are not otherwise available. Each chapter contains a list of exercises and problems for future research, which provide a springboard for students entering modern professional mathematics.

Boolean Functions
  • Theory, Algorithms, and Applications
  • Yves Crama, Peter L. Hammer
  • Published online:
    01 June 2011
    Print publication:
    16 May 2011
  • Written by prominent experts in the field, this monograph provides the first comprehensive, unified presentation of the structural, algorithmic and applied aspects of the theory of Boolean functions. The book focuses on algebraic representations of Boolean functions, especially disjunctive and conjunctive normal form representations. This framework looks at the fundamental elements of the theory (Boolean equations and satisfiability problems, prime implicants and associated short representations, dualization), an in-depth study of special classes of Boolean functions (quadratic, Horn, shellable, regular, threshold, read-once functions and their characterization by functional equations) and two fruitful generalizations of the concept of Boolean functions (partially defined functions and pseudo-Boolean functions). Several topics are presented here in book form for the first time. Because of the depth and breadth and its emphasis on algorithms and applications, this monograph will have special appeal for researchers and graduate students in discrete mathematics, operations research, computer science, engineering and economics.

Stochastic Partial Differential Equations with Lévy Noise
  • An Evolution Equation Approach
  • S. Peszat, J. Zabczyk
  • Published online:
    10 November 2010
    Print publication:
    11 October 2007
  • Recent years have seen an explosion of interest in stochastic partial differential equations where the driving noise is discontinuous. In this comprehensive monograph, two leading experts detail the evolution equation approach to their solution. Most of the results appeared here for the first time in book form. The authors start with a detailed analysis of Lévy processes in infinite dimensions and their reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces; cylindrical Lévy processes are constructed in terms of Poisson random measures; stochastic integrals are introduced. Stochastic parabolic and hyperbolic equations on domains of arbitrary dimensions are studied, and applications to statistical and fluid mechanics and to finance are also investigated. Ideal for researchers and graduate students in stochastic processes and partial differential equations, this self-contained text will also interest those working on stochastic modeling in finance, statistical physics and environmental science.

Geometries on Surfaces
  • Burkard Polster, Günter Steinke
  • Published online:
    04 August 2010
    Print publication:
    03 October 2001
  • The projective, Möbius, Laguerre, and Minkowski planes over the real numbers are just a few examples of a host of fundamental classical topological geometries on surfaces. This book summarizes all known major results and open problems related to these classical point-line geometries and their close (nonclassical) relatives. Topics covered include: classical geometries; methods for constructing nonclassical geometries; classifications and characterizations of geometries. This work is related to many other fields including interpolation theory, convexity, the theory of pseudoline arrangements, topology, the theory of Lie groups, and many more. The authors detail these connections, some of which are well-known, but many much less so. Acting both as a reference for experts and as an accessible introduction for graduate students, this book will interest anyone wishing to know more about point-line geometries and the way they interact.

Exact and Approximate Controllability for Distributed Parameter Systems
  • A Numerical Approach
  • Roland Glowinski, Jacques-Louis Lions, Jiwen He
  • Published online:
    04 August 2010
    Print publication:
    20 March 2008
  • The behaviour of systems occurring in real life is often modelled by partial differential equations. This book investigates how a user or observer can influence the behaviour of such systems mathematically and computationally. A thorough mathematical analysis of controllability problems is combined with a detailed investigation of methods used to solve them numerically, these methods being validated by the results of numerical experiments. In Part I of the book the authors discuss the mathematics and numerics relating to the controllability of systems modelled by linear and non-linear diffusion equations; Part II is dedicated to the controllability of vibrating systems, typical ones being those modelled by linear wave equations; finally, Part III covers flow control for systems governed by the Navier-Stokes equations modelling incompressible viscous flow. The book is accessible to graduate students in applied and computational mathematics, engineering and physics; it will also be of use to more advanced practitioners.

Angular Momentum in Quantum Physics

Measurement Theory
  • With Applications to Decisionmaking, Utility, and the Social Sciences
  • Volume 7
  • Fred S. Roberts
  • Published online:
    04 August 2010
    Print publication:
    28 December 1984
  • This book provides an introduction to measurement theory for non-specialists and puts measurement in the social and behavioural sciences on a firm mathematical foundation. Results are applied to such topics as measurement of utility, psychophysical scaling and decision-making about pollution, energy, transportation and health. The results and questions presented should be of interest to both students and practising mathematicians since the author sets forth an area of mathematics unfamiliar to most mathematicians, but which has many potentially significant applications.

General Orthogonal Polynomials
  • Herbert Stahl, Vilmos Totik
  • Published online:
    04 August 2010
    Print publication:
    24 April 1992
  • In this treatise, the authors present the general theory of orthogonal polynomials on the complex plane and several of its applications. The assumptions on the measure of orthogonality are general, the only restriction is that it has compact support on the complex plane. In the development of the theory the main emphasis is on asymptotic behaviour and the distribution of zeros. In the following chapters, the author explores the exact upper and lower bounds are given for the orthonormal polynomials and for the location of their zeros; regular n-th root asymptotic behaviour; and applications of the theory, including exact rates for convergence of rational interpolants, best rational approximants and non-diagonal Pade approximants to Markov functions (Cauchy transforms of measures). The results are based on potential theoretic methods, so both the methods and the results can be extended to extremal polynomials in norms other than L2 norms. A sketch of the theory of logarithmic potentials is given in an appendix.

Continued Fractions
  • Analytic Theory and Applications
  • William B. Jones, W. J. Thron
  • Published online:
    04 August 2010
    Print publication:
    28 December 1984
  • This is an exposition of the analytic theory of continued fractions in the complex domain with emphasis on applications and computational methods.

Hilbert Transforms
  • Volume 2
  • Frederick W. King
  • Published online:
    06 July 2010
    Print publication:
    27 April 2009
  • The Hilbert transform has many uses, including solving problems in aerodynamics, condensed matter physics, optics, fluids, and engineering. Written in a style that will suit a wide audience (including the physical sciences), this book will become the reference of choice on the topic, whatever the subject background of the reader. It explains all the common Hilbert transforms, mathematical techniques for evaluating them, and has detailed discussions of their application. Especially useful for researchers are the tabulation of analytically evaluated Hilbert transforms, and an atlas that immediately illustrates how the Hilbert transform alters a function. A collection of exercises helps the reader to test their understanding of the material in each chapter. The bibliography is a wide-ranging collection of references both to the classical mathematical papers, and to a diverse array of applications.

Contact Geometry and Nonlinear Differential Equations
  • Alexei Kushner, Valentin Lychagin, Vladimir Rubtsov
  • Published online:
    06 July 2010
    Print publication:
    21 December 2006
  • Methods from contact and symplectic geometry can be used to solve highly non-trivial nonlinear partial and ordinary differential equations without resorting to approximate numerical methods or algebraic computing software. This book explains how it's done. It combines the clarity and accessibility of an advanced textbook with the completeness of an encyclopedia. The basic ideas that Lie and Cartan developed at the end of the nineteenth century to transform solving a differential equation into a problem in geometry or algebra are here reworked in a novel and modern way. Differential equations are considered as a part of contact and symplectic geometry, so that all the machinery of Hodge-deRham calculus can be applied. In this way a wide class of equations can be tackled, including quasi-linear equations and Monge-Ampere equations (which play an important role in modern theoretical physics and meteorology).

Geometry of Chemical Graphs
  • Polycycles and Two-faced Maps
  • Michel Deza, Mathieu Dutour Sikirić
  • Published online:
    06 July 2010
    Print publication:
    26 June 2008
  • Polycycles and symmetric polyhedra appear as generalisations of graphs in the modelling of molecular structures, such as the Nobel prize winning fullerenes, occurring in chemistry and crystallography. The chemistry has inspired and informed many interesting questions in mathematics and computer science, which in turn have suggested directions for synthesis of molecules. Here the authors give access to new results in the theory of polycycles and two-faced maps together with the relevant background material and mathematical tools for their study. Organised so that, after reading the introductory chapter, each chapter can be read independently from the others, the book should be accessible to researchers and students in graph theory, discrete geometry, and combinatorics, as well as to those in more applied areas such as mathematical chemistry and crystallography. Many of the results in the subject require the use of computer enumeration; the corresponding programs are available from the author's website.

Combinatorial Games
  • Tic-Tac-Toe Theory
  • József Beck
  • Published online:
    06 July 2010
    Print publication:
    20 March 2008
  • Traditional game theory has been successful at developing strategy in games of incomplete information: when one player knows something that the other does not. But it has little to say about games of complete information, for example, tic-tac-toe, solitaire and hex. The main challenge of combinatorial game theory is to handle combinatorial chaos, where brute force study is impractical. In this comprehensive volume, József Beck shows readers how to escape from the combinatorial chaos via the fake probabilistic method, a game-theoretic adaptation of the probabilistic method in combinatorics. Using this, the author is able to determine the exact results about infinite classes of many games, leading to the discovery of some striking new duality principles. Available for the first time in paperback, it includes a new appendix to address the results that have appeared since the book's original publication.

Multiple Scattering
  • Interaction of Time-Harmonic Waves with N Obstacles
  • P. A. Martin
  • Published online:
    06 July 2010
    Print publication:
    03 August 2006
  • The interaction of waves with obstacles is an everyday phenomenon in science and engineering, arising for example in acoustics, electromagnetism, seismology and hydrodynamics. The mathematical theory and technology needed to understand the phenomenon is known as multiple scattering, and this book is the first devoted to the subject. The author covers a variety of techniques, describing first the single-obstacle methods and then extending them to the multiple-obstacle case. A key ingredient in many of these extensions is an appropriate addition theorem: a coherent, thorough exposition of these theorems is given, and computational and numerical issues around them are explored. The application of these methods to different types of problems is also explained; in particular, sound waves, electromagnetic radiation, waves in solids and water waves. A comprehensive bibliography of some 1400 items rounds off the book, which will be an essential reference on the topic for applied mathematicians, physicists and engineers.

Page 6 of 9