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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 7 of 9

Geometry of Sporadic Groups
  • Volume 2, Representations and Amalgams
  • A. A. Ivanov, S. V. Shpectorov
  • Published online:
    06 July 2010
    Print publication:
    14 March 2002
  • This is the second volume in a two-volume set, which provides a complete self-contained proof of the classification of geometries associated with sporadic simple groups: Petersen and tilde geometries. The second volume contains a study of the representations of the geometries under consideration in GF(2)-vector spaces as well as in some non-abelian groups. The central part is the classification of the amalgam of maximal parabolics, associated with a flag transitive action on a Petersen or tilde geometry. The classification is based on the method of group amalgam, the most promising tool in modern finite group theory. Via their systematic treatment of group amalgams, the authors establish a deep and important mathematical result. This book will be of great interest to researchers in finite group theory, finite geometries and algebraic combinatorics.

Volterra Integral and Functional Equations
  • G. Gripenberg, S. O. Londen, O. Staffans
  • Published online:
    26 May 2010
    Print publication:
    30 March 1990
  • The rapid development of the theories of Volterra integral and functional equations has been strongly promoted by their applications in physics, engineering and biology. This text shows that the theory of Volterra equations exhibits a rich variety of features not present in the theory of ordinary differential equations. The book is divided into three parts. The first considers linear theory and the second deals with quasilinear equations and existence problems for nonlinear equations, giving some general asymptotic results. Part III is devoted to frequency domain methods in the study of nonlinear equations. The entire text analyses n-dimensional rather than scalar equations, giving greater generality and wider applicability and facilitating generalizations to infinite-dimensional spaces. The book is generally self-contained and assumes only a basic knowledge of analysis. The many exercises illustrate the development of the theory and its applications, making this book accessible to researchers in all areas of integral and differential equations.

Absolute Measurable Spaces
  • Togo Nishiura
  • Published online:
    14 May 2010
    Print publication:
    08 May 2008
  • Absolute measurable space and absolute null space are very old topological notions, developed from well-known facts of descriptive set theory, topology, Borel measure theory and analysis. This monograph systematically develops and returns to the topological and geometrical origins of these notions. Motivating the development of the exposition are the action of the group of homeomorphisms of a space on Borel measures, the Oxtoby-Ulam theorem on Lebesgue-like measures on the unit cube, and the extensions of this theorem to many other topological spaces. Existence of uncountable absolute null space, extension of the Purves theorem and recent advances on homeomorphic Borel probability measures on the Cantor space, are among the many topics discussed. A brief discussion of set-theoretic results on absolute null space is given, and a four-part appendix aids the reader with topological dimension theory, Hausdorff measure and Hausdorff dimension, and geometric measure theory.

J-Contractive Matrix Valued Functions and Related Topics
  • Damir Z. Arov, Harry Dym
  • Published online:
    10 May 2010
    Print publication:
    06 November 2008
  • J-contractive and J-inner matrix valued functions have a wide range of applications in mathematical analysis, mathematical physics, control engineering and theory of systems and networks. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory of these functions with respect to the open upper half-plane, and a number of applications are also discussed. The first chapters develop the requisite background material from the geometry of finite dimensional spaces with an indefinite inner product, and the theory of the Nevanlinna class of matrix valued functions with bounded characteristic in the open upper half-plane (with attention to special subclasses). Subsequent chapters develop this theory to include associated pairs of inner matrix valued functions and reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces. Special attention is paid to the subclasses of regular and strongly regular J-inner matrix valued functions, which play an essential role in the study of the extension and interpolation problems.

Algorithmic Aspects of Graph Connectivity
  • Hiroshi Nagamochi, Toshihide Ibaraki
  • Published online:
    07 May 2010
    Print publication:
    08 September 2008
  • Algorithmic Aspects of Graph Connectivity is the first comprehensive book on this central notion in graph and network theory, emphasizing its algorithmic aspects. Because of its wide applications in the fields of communication, transportation, and production, graph connectivity has made tremendous algorithmic progress under the influence of the theory of complexity and algorithms in modern computer science. The book contains various definitions of connectivity, including edge-connectivity and vertex-connectivity, and their ramifications, as well as related topics such as flows and cuts. The authors thoroughly discuss new concepts and algorithms that allow for quicker and more efficient computing, such as maximum adjacency ordering of vertices. Covering both basic definitions and advanced topics, this book can be used as a textbook in graduate courses in mathematical sciences, such as discrete mathematics, combinatorics, and operations research, and as a reference book for specialists in discrete mathematics and its applications.

The Classical Fields
  • Structural Features of the Real and Rational Numbers
  • H. Salzmann, T. Grundhöfer, H. Hähl, R. Löwen
  • Published online:
    07 May 2010
    Print publication:
    23 August 2007
  • The classical fields are the real, rational, complex and p-adic numbers. Each of these fields comprises several intimately interwoven algebraical and topological structures. This comprehensive volume analyzes the interaction and interdependencies of these different aspects. The real and rational numbers are examined additionally with respect to their orderings, and these fields are compared to their non-standard counterparts. Typical substructures and quotients, relevant automorphism groups and many counterexamples are described. Also discussed are completion procedures of chains and of ordered and topological groups, with applications to classical fields. The p-adic numbers are placed in the context of general topological fields: absolute values, valuations and the corresponding topologies are studied, and the classification of all locally compact fields and skew fields is presented. Exercises are provided with hints and solutions at the end of the book. An appendix reviews ordinals and cardinals, duality theory of locally compact Abelian groups and various constructions of fields.

Asymptotic Analysis of Random Walks
  • Heavy-Tailed Distributions
  • A. A. Borovkov, K. A. Borovkov
  • Published online:
    07 May 2010
    Print publication:
    12 June 2008
  • This book focuses on the asymptotic behaviour of the probabilities of large deviations of the trajectories of random walks with 'heavy-tailed' (in particular, regularly varying, sub- and semiexponential) jump distributions. Large deviation probabilities are of great interest in numerous applied areas, typical examples being ruin probabilities in risk theory, error probabilities in mathematical statistics, and buffer-overflow probabilities in queueing theory. The classical large deviation theory, developed for distributions decaying exponentially fast (or even faster) at infinity, mostly uses analytical methods. If the fast decay condition fails, which is the case in many important applied problems, then direct probabilistic methods usually prove to be efficient. This monograph presents a unified and systematic exposition of the large deviation theory for heavy-tailed random walks. Most of the results presented in the book are appearing in a monograph for the first time. Many of them were obtained by the authors.

Spline Functions on Triangulations
  • Ming-Jun Lai, Larry L. Schumaker
  • Published online:
    05 May 2010
    Print publication:
    19 April 2007
  • Spline functions are universally recognized as highly effective tools in approximation theory, computer-aided geometric design, image analysis, and numerical analysis. The theory of univariate splines is well known but this text is the first comprehensive treatment of the analogous bivariate theory. A detailed mathematical treatment of polynomial splines on triangulations is outlined, providing a basis for developing practical methods for using splines in numerous application areas. The detailed treatment of the Bernstein-Bézier representation of polynomials will provide a valuable source for researchers and students in CAGD. Chapters on smooth macro-element spaces will allow engineers and scientists using the FEM method to solve partial differential equations numerically with new tools. Workers in the geosciences will find new tools for approximation and data fitting on the sphere. Ideal as a graduate text in approximation theory, and as a source book for courses in computer-aided geometric design or in finite-element methods.

Orthogonal Polynomials and Continued Fractions
  • From Euler's Point of View
  • Sergey Khrushchev
  • Published online:
    05 May 2010
    Print publication:
    24 July 2008
  • Continued fractions, studied since Ancient Greece, only became a powerful tool in the eighteenth century, in the hands of the great mathematician Euler. This book tells how Euler introduced the idea of orthogonal polynomials and combined the two subjects, and how Brouncker's formula of 1655 can be derived from Euler's efforts in Special Functions and Orthogonal Polynomials. The most interesting applications of this work are discussed, including the great Markoff's Theorem on the Lagrange spectrum, Abel's Theorem on integration in finite terms, Chebyshev's Theory of Orthogonal Polynomials, and very recent advances in Orthogonal Polynomials on the unit circle. As continued fractions become more important again, in part due to their use in finding algorithms in approximation theory, this timely book revives the approach of Wallis, Brouncker and Euler and illustrates the continuing significance of their influence. A translation of Euler's famous paper 'Continued Fractions, Observation' is included as an Addendum.

Semimodular Lattices
  • Theory and Applications
  • Manfred Stern
  • Published online:
    05 May 2010
    Print publication:
    13 May 1999
  • In Semimodular Lattices: Theory and Applications Manfred Stern uses successive generalizations of distributive and modular lattices to outline the development of semimodular lattices from Boolean algebras. He focuses on the important theory of semimodularity, its many ramifications, and its applications in discrete mathematics, combinatorics, and algebra. The book surveys and analyzes Garrett Birkhoff's concept of semimodularity and the various related concepts in lattice theory, and it presents theoretical results as well as applications in discrete mathematics group theory and universal algebra. The author also deals with lattices that are 'close' to semimodularity or can be combined with semimodularity, e.g. supersolvable, admissible, consistent, strong, and balanced lattices. Researchers in lattice theory, discrete mathematics, combinatorics, and algebra will find this book invaluable.

Random Graphs
  • V. F. Kolchin
  • Published online:
    05 May 2010
    Print publication:
    13 November 1998
  • This book is devoted to the study of classical combinatorial structures such as random graphs, permutations, and systems of random linear equations in finite fields. The author shows how the application of the generalized scheme of allocation in the study of random graphs and permutations reduces the combinatorial problems to classical problems of probability theory on the summation of independent random variables. He concentrates on research by Russian mathematicians, including a discussion of equations containing an unknown permutation and a presentation of techniques for solving systems of random linear equations in finite fields. These results will interest specialists in combinatorics and probability theory and will also be useful in applied areas of probabilistic combinatorics such as communication theory, cryptology, and mathematical genetics.

Theory of Matroids
  • Edited by Neil White
  • Published online:
    05 May 2010
    Print publication:
    03 April 1986
  • The theory of matroids is unique in the extent to which it connects such disparate branches of combinatorial theory and algebra as graph theory, lattice theory, design theory, combinatorial optimization, linear algebra, group theory, ring theory and field theory. Furthermore, matroid theory is alone among mathematical theories because of the number and variety of its equivalent axiom systems. Indeed, matroids are amazingly versatile and the approaches to the subject are varied and numerous. This book is a primer in the basic axioms and constructions of matroids. The contributions by various leaders in the field include chapters on axiom systems, lattices, basis exchange properties, orthogonality, graphs and networks, constructions, maps, semi-modular functions and an appendix on cryptomorphisms. The authors have concentrated on giving a lucid exposition of the individual topics; explanations of theorems are preferred to complete proofs and original work is thoroughly referenced. In addition, exercises are included for each topic.

Hilbert Transforms
  • Volume 1
  • Frederick W. King
  • Published online:
    04 May 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.

Algorithmic Algebraic Number Theory
  • M. Pohst, H. Zassenhaus
  • Published online:
    03 May 2010
    Print publication:
    24 August 1989
  • Now in paperback, this classic book is addressed to all lovers of number theory. On the one hand, it gives a comprehensive introduction to constructive algebraic number theory, and is therefore especially suited as a textbook for a course on that subject. On the other hand many parts go beyond an introduction and make the user familiar with recent research in the field. New methods which have been developed for experimental number theoreticians are included along with new and important results. Both computer scientists interested in higher arithmetic and those teaching algebraic number theory will find the book of value.

Combinatorial Matrix Classes
  • Richard A. Brualdi
  • Published online:
    12 April 2010
    Print publication:
    10 August 2006
  • A natural sequel to the author's previous book Combinatorial Matrix Theory written with H. J. Ryser, this is the first book devoted exclusively to existence questions, constructive algorithms, enumeration questions, and other properties concerning classes of matrices of combinatorial significance. Several classes of matrices are thoroughly developed including the classes of matrices of 0's and 1's with a specified number of 1's in each row and column (equivalently, bipartite graphs with a specified degree sequence), symmetric matrices in such classes (equivalently, graphs with a specified degree sequence), tournament matrices with a specified number of 1's in each row (equivalently, tournaments with a specified score sequence), nonnegative matrices with specified row and column sums, and doubly stochastic matrices. Most of this material is presented for the first time in book format and the chapter on doubly stochastic matrices provides the most complete development of the topic to date.

Operator Algebras in Dynamical Systems
  • Shōichirō Sakai
  • Published online:
    27 March 2010
    Print publication:
    30 August 1991
  • This book is concerned with the theory of unbounded derivations in C*-algebras, a subject whose study was motivated by questions in quantum physics and statistical mechanics, and to which the author has made a considerable contribution. This is an active area of research, and one of the most ambitious aims of the theory is to develop quantum statistical mechanics within the framework of the C*-theory. The presentation, which is based on lectures given in Newcastle upon Tyne and Copenhagen, concentrates on topics involving quantum statistical mechanics and differentiations on manifolds. One of the goals is to formulate the absence theorem of phase transitions in its most general form within the C* setting. For the first time, he globally constructs, within that setting, derivations for a fairly wide class of interacting models, and presents a new axiomatic treatment of the construction of time evolutions and KMS states.

The Cauchy Problem
  • Hector O. Fattorini, Adalbert Kerber
  • Published online:
    22 March 2010
    Print publication:
    28 December 1984
  • This volume deals with the Cauchy or initial value problem for linear differential equations. It treats in detail some of the applications of linear space methods to partial differential equations, especially the equations of mathematical physics such as the Maxwell, Schrödinger and Dirac equations. Background material presented in the first chapter makes the book accessible to mathematicians and physicists who are not specialists in this area as well as to graduate students.

Combinatorial Methods in Discrete Mathematics
  • Vladimir N. Sachkov
  • Translated by V. Kolchin
  • Published online:
    22 March 2010
    Print publication:
    11 January 1996
  • Originally published in 1996, this is a presentation of some complex problems of discrete mathematics in a simple and unified form using an original, general combinatorial scheme. The author's aim is not always to present the most general results, but rather to focus attention on ones that illustrate the methods described. A distinctive aspect of the book is the large number of asymptotic formulae derived. Professor Sachkov begins with a discussion of block designs and Latin squares before proceeding to treat transversals, devoting much attention to enumerative problems. The main role in these problems is played by generating functions, which are considered in Chapter 3. The general combinatorial scheme is then introduced and in the last chapter Polya's enumerative theory is discussed. This is an important book, describing many ideas not previously available in English; the author has taken the chance to update the text and references where appropriate.

Stochastic Equations in Infinite Dimensions
  • Guiseppe Da Prato, Jerzy Zabczyk
  • Published online:
    21 March 2010
    Print publication:
    03 December 1992
  • The aim of this book is to give a systematic and self-contained presentation of basic results on stochastic evolution equations in infinite dimensional, typically Hilbert and Banach, spaces. These are a generalization of stochastic differential equations as introduced by Itô and Gikham that occur, for instance, when describing random phenomena that crop up in science and engineering, as well as in the study of differential equations. The book is divided into three parts. In the first the authors give a self-contained exposition of the basic properties of probability measure on separable Banach and Hilbert spaces, as required later; they assume a reasonable background in probability theory and finite dimensional stochastic processes. The second part is devoted to the existence and uniqueness of solutions of a general stochastic evolution equation, and the third concerns the qualitative properties of those solutions. Appendices gather together background results from analysis that are otherwise hard to find under one roof. The book ends with a comprehensive bibliography that will contribute to the book's value for all working in stochastic differential equations.

Symmetric Generation of Groups
  • With Applications to many of the Sporadic Finite Simple Groups
  • Robert T. Curtis
  • Published online:
    21 March 2010
    Print publication:
    05 July 2007
  • Some of the most beautiful mathematical objects found in the last forty years are the sporadic simple groups. But gaining familiarity with these groups presents problems for two reasons. Firstly, they were discovered in many different ways, so to understand their constructions in depth one needs to study lots of different techniques. Secondly, since each of them is in a sense recording some exceptional symmetry in spaces of certain dimensions, they are by their nature highly complicated objects with a rich underlying combinatorial structure. Motivated by initial results which showed that the Mathieu groups can be generated by highly symmetrical sets of elements, which themselves have a natural geometric definition, the author develops from scratch the notion of symmetric generation. He exploits this technique by using it to define and construct many of the sporadic simple groups including all the Janko groups and the Higman-Sims group. For researchers and postgraduates.

Page 7 of 9