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Distribution of Income and Wealth in Ontario: Theory and Evidence
by Charles M. Beach David E. Card Frank FlattersDistribution analysis has advanced remarkably in recent years, and this is a valuable application of its principles to a Canadian context. The book provides an extensive survey of recent literature and a new source of income and wealth distribution data for Ontario, drawn from newly available microdata sets. It also presents an evaluation of the data as a basis for measuring inequality in the distribution of economic and well-being.The empirical results illustrate how incomes vary significantly with age according to labour market attachment and experience, educational attainment and occupation, transfer receipts, and investment benefits. Similarly, strong age effects on net worth account reflect life-cycle patterns in asset holdings and debts typically associated with family investment in housing and financial adjustments for retirement. Differences in family size and composition have a substantial effect on the structure of family economic well-being. The inequality effects of adjusting for accrued capital gains and net worth holdings can also be quite significant. It is found that the distributional effects of CPP net benefits are considerable, although they are not as equalizing as one may have expected because of marked cohort effects. The detailed findings suggest that the life-cycle framework is a very useful one for evaluating the distributional effects of certain government programs, particularly intertemporal ones, and they underline the need for a range of different types of policies to address low income problems. The study urges greater recognition of the inequality of treatment and opportunity among different groups of the population. It also points out that conventional income distribution figures are only very imperfect estimates of the state of inequality in the underlying distribution of economic well-being.
Distribution of Statistical Observables for Anomalous and Nonergodic Diffusions: From Statistics to Mathematics
by Xing Liu Xudong Wang Weihua Deng Daxin NieThis book investigates statistical observables for anomalous and nonergodic dynamics, focusing on the dynamical behaviors of particles modelled by non-Brownian stochastic processes in the complex real-world environment. Statistical observables are widely used for anomalous and nonergodic stochastic systems, thus serving as a key to uncover their dynamics. This study explores the cutting edge of anomalous and nonergodic diffusion from the perspectives of mathematics, computer science, statistical and biological physics, and chemistry. With this interdisciplinary approach, multiple physical applications and mathematical issues are discussed, including stochastic and deterministic modelling, analyses of (stochastic) partial differential equations (PDEs), scientific computations and stochastic analyses, etc. Through regularity analysis, numerical scheme design and numerical experiments, the book also derives the governing equations for the probability density function of statistical observables, linking stochastic processes with PDEs. The book will appeal to both researchers of electrical engineering expert in the niche area of statistical observables and stochastic systems and scientists in a broad range of fields interested in anomalous diffusion, especially applied mathematicians and statistical physicists.
Distribution, Integral Transforms and Applications (Analytical Methods and Special Functions)
by W. Kierat Urszula SztabaThe theory of distributions is most often presented as L. Schwartz originally presented it: as a theory of the duality of topological vector spaces. Although this is a sound approach, it can be difficult, demanding deep prior knowledge of functional analysis. The more elementary treatments that are available often consider distributions as limits o
Distribution-Free Methods for Statistical Process Monitoring and Control
by Markos V. Koutras Ioannis S. TriantafyllouThis book explores nonparametric statistical process control. It provides an up-to-date overview of nonparametric Shewhart-type univariate control charts, and reviews the recent literature on nonparametric charts, particularly multivariate schemes. Further, it discusses observations tied to the monitored population quantile, focusing on the Shewhart Sign chart. The book also addresses the issue of practically assuming the normality and the independence when a process is statistically monitored, and examines in detail change-point analysis-based distribution-free control charts designed for Phase I applications. Moreover, it introduces six distribution-free EWMA schemes for simultaneously monitoring the location and scale parameters of a univariate continuous process, and establishes two nonparametric Shewhart-type control charts based on order statistics with signaling runs-type rules. Lastly, the book proposes novel and effective method for early disease detection.
Distribution-Free Statistical Methods, Second Edition
by J.S. MaritzDistribution-free statistical methods enable users to make statistical inferences with minimum assumptions about the population in question. They are widely used, especially in the areas of medical and psychological research.This new edition is aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate level. It also includes a discussion of new techniques that have arisen as a result of improvements in statistical computing. Interest in estimation techniques has particularly grown, and this section of the book has been expanded accordingly. Finally, Distribution-Free Statistical Methods includes more examples with actual data sets appearing in the text.
Distributional Reinforcement Learning
by Mark Rowland Marc G. Bellemare Will DabneyThe first comprehensive guide to distributional reinforcement learning, providing a new mathematical formalism for thinking about decisions from a probabilistic perspective.Distributional reinforcement learning is a new mathematical formalism for thinking about decisions. Going beyond the common approach to reinforcement learning and expected values, it focuses on the total reward or return obtained as a consequence of an agent's choices—specifically, how this return behaves from a probabilistic perspective. In this first comprehensive guide to distributional reinforcement learning, Marc G. Bellemare, Will Dabney, and Mark Rowland, who spearheaded development of the field, present its key concepts and review some of its many applications. They demonstrate its power to account for many complex, interesting phenomena that arise from interactions with one's environment.The authors present core ideas from classical reinforcement learning to contextualize distributional topics and include mathematical proofs pertaining to major results discussed in the text. They guide the reader through a series of algorithmic and mathematical developments that, in turn, characterize, compute, estimate, and make decisions on the basis of the random return. Practitioners in disciplines as diverse as finance (risk management), computational neuroscience, computational psychiatry, psychology, macroeconomics, and robotics are already using distributional reinforcement learning, paving the way for its expanding applications in mathematical finance, engineering, and the life sciences. More than a mathematical approach, distributional reinforcement learning represents a new perspective on how intelligent agents make predictions and decisions.
Distributionally Robust Optimization and its Applications in Power System Energy Storage Sizing
by Wei Wei Rui XieThis book introduces the mathematical foundations of distributionally robust optimization (DRO) for decision-making problems with ambiguous uncertainties and applies them to tackle the critical challenge of energy storage sizing in renewable-integrated power systems, providing readers with an efficient and reliable approach to analyze and design real-world energy systems with uncertainties. Covering a diverse range of topics, this book starts by exploring the necessity for energy storage in evolving power systems and examining the benefits of employing distributionally robust optimization. Subsequently, the cutting-edge mathematical theory of distributionally robust optimization is presented, including both the general theory and moment-based, KL-divergence, and Wasserstein-metric distributionally robust optimization theories. The techniques are then applied to various practical energy storage sizing scenarios, such as stand-alone microgrids, large-scale renewable power plants, bulk power grids, and multi-carrier energy networks. This book offers clear explanations and accessible guidance to bridge the gap between advanced optimization methods and industrial applications. Its interdisciplinary scope makes the book appealing to researchers, graduate students, and industry professionals working in electrical engineering and operations research, catering to both beginners and experts.
Distributions
by Jacques SimonThis book presents a simple and original theory of distributions, both real and vector, adapted to the study of partial differential equations. It deals with value distributions in a Neumann space, that is, in which any Cauchy suite converges, which encompasses the Banach and Fréchet spaces and the same &“weak&” spaces. Alongside the usual operations – derivation, product, variable change, variable separation, restriction, extension and regularization – Distributions presents a new operation: weighting.This operation produces properties similar to those of convolution for distributions defined in any open space. Emphasis is placed on the extraction of convergent sub-sequences, the existence and study of primitives and the representation by gradient or by derivatives of continuous functions. Constructive methods are used to make these tools accessible to students and engineers.
Distributions for Modeling Location, Scale, and Shape: Using GAMLSS in R (Chapman & Hall/CRC The R Series)
by Robert Rigby Gillian Heller Mikis Stasinopoulos Fernanda De BastianiThis is a book about statistical distributions, their properties, and their application to modelling the dependence of the location, scale, and shape of the distribution of a response variable on explanatory variables. It will be especially useful to applied statisticians and data scientists in a wide range of application areas, and also to those interested in the theoretical properties of distributions. This book follows the earlier book ‘Flexible Regression and Smoothing: Using GAMLSS in R’, [Stasinopoulos et al., 2017], which focused on the GAMLSS model and software. GAMLSS (the Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale, and Shape, [Rigby and Stasinopoulos, 2005]), is a regression framework in which the response variable can have any parametric distribution and all the distribution parameters can be modelled as linear or smooth functions of explanatory variables. The current book focuses on distributions and their application. Key features: Describes over 100 distributions, (implemented in the GAMLSS packages in R), including continuous, discrete and mixed distributions. Comprehensive summary tables of the properties of the distributions. Discusses properties of distributions, including skewness, kurtosis, robustness and an important classification of tail heaviness. Includes mixed distributions which are continuous distributions with additional specific values with point probabilities. Includes many real data examples, with R code integrated in the text for ease of understanding and replication. Supplemented by the gamlss website. This book will be useful for applied statisticians and data scientists in selecting a distribution for a univariate response variable and modelling its dependence on explanatory variables, and to those interested in the properties of distributions.
Distributions in the Physical and Engineering Sciences, Volume 2: Linear and Nonlinear Dynamics in Continuous Media
by Wojbor A. Woyczynski Alexander I. SaichevDistributions in the Physical and Engineering Sciences is a comprehensive exposition on analytic methods for solving science and engineering problems. It is written from the unifying viewpoint of distribution theory and enriched with many modern topics which are important for practitioners and researchers. The goal of the books is to give the reader, specialist and non-specialist, useable and modern mathematical tools in their research and analysis. Volume 2: Linear and Nonlinear Dynamics of Continuous Media continues the multivolume project which endeavors to show how the theory of distributions, also called the theory of generalized functions, can be used by graduate students and researchers in applied mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering. It contains an analysis of the three basic types of linear partial differential equations--elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic--as well as chapters on first-order nonlinear partial differential equations and conservation laws, and generalized solutions of first-order nonlinear PDEs. Nonlinear wave, growing interface, and Burger's equations, KdV equations, and the equations of gas dynamics and porous media are also covered. The careful explanations, accessible writing style, many illustrations/examples and solutions also make it suitable for use as a self-study reference by anyone seeking greater understanding and proficiency in the problem solving methods presented. The book is ideal for a general scientific and engineering audience, yet it is mathematically precise. Features · Application oriented exposition of distributional (Dirac delta) methods in the theory of partial differential equations. Abstract formalism is keep to a minimum. · Careful and rich selection of examples and problems arising in real-life situations. Complete solutions to all exercises appear at the end of the book. · Clear explanations, motivations, and illustration of all necessary mathematical concepts.
Distributions in the Physical and Engineering Sciences, Volume 3: Random and Anomalous Fractional Dynamics in Continuous Media (Applied and Numerical Harmonic Analysis)
by Alexander I. Saichev Wojbor A. WoyczyńskiContinuing the authors’ multivolume project, this text considers the theory of distributions from an applied perspective, demonstrating how effective a combination of analytic and probabilistic methods can be for solving problems in the physical and engineering sciences. Volume 1 covered foundational topics such as distributional and fractional calculus, the integral transform, and wavelets, and Volume 2 explored linear and nonlinear dynamics in continuous media. With this volume, the scope is extended to the use of distributional tools in the theory of generalized stochastic processes and fields, and in anomalous fractional random dynamics. Chapters cover topics such as probability distributions; generalized stochastic processes, Brownian motion, and the white noise; stochastic differential equations and generalized random fields; Burgers turbulence and passive tracer transport in Burgers flows; and linear, nonlinear, and multiscale anomalous fractional dynamics in continuous media. The needs of the applied-sciences audience are addressed by a careful and rich selection of examples arising in real-life industrial and scientific labs and a thorough discussion of their physical significance. Numerous illustrations generate a better understanding of the core concepts discussed in the text, and a large number of exercises at the end of each chapter expand on these concepts.Distributions in the Physical and Engineering Sciences is intended to fill a gap in the typical undergraduate engineering/physical sciences curricula, and as such it will be a valuable resource for researchers and graduate students working in these areas. The only prerequisites are a three-four semester calculus sequence (including ordinary differential equations, Fourier series, complex variables, and linear algebra), and some probability theory, but basic definitions and facts are covered as needed. An appendix also provides background material concerning the Dirac-delta and other distributions.
Distributions, Partial Differential Equations, and Harmonic Analysis
by Dorina MitreaThe theory of distributions constitutes an essential tool in the study of partial differential equations. This textbook would offer, in a concise, largely self-contained form, a rapid introduction to the theory of distributions and its applications to partial differential equations, including computing fundamental solutions for the most basic differential operators: the Laplace, heat, wave, Lam\'e and Schrodinger operators.
Distributions, Partial Differential Equations, and Harmonic Analysis: Second Ed. (Universitext)
by Dorina MitreaThe aim of this book is to offer, in a concise, rigorous, and largely self-contained manner, a rapid introduction to the theory of distributions and its applications to partial differential equations and harmonic analysis. The book is written in a format suitable for a graduate course spanning either over one-semester, when the focus is primarily on the foundational aspects, or over a two-semester period that allows for the proper amount of time to cover all intended applications as well. It presents a balanced treatment of the topics involved, and contains a large number of exercises (upwards of two hundred, more than half of which are accompanied by solutions), which have been carefully chosen to amplify the effect, and substantiate the power and scope, of the theory of distributions. Graduate students, professional mathematicians, and scientifically trained people with a wide spectrum of mathematical interests will find this book to be a useful resource and complete self-study guide. Throughout, a special effort has been made to develop the theory of distributions not as an abstract edifice but rather give the reader a chance to see the rationale behind various seemingly technical definitions, as well as the opportunity to apply the newly developed tools (in the natural build-up of the theory) to concrete problems in partial differential equations and harmonic analysis, at the earliest opportunity.The main additions to the current, second edition, pertain to fundamental solutions (through the inclusion of the Helmholtz operator, the perturbed Dirac operator, and their iterations) and the theory of Sobolev spaces (built systematically from the ground up, exploiting natural connections with the Fourier Analysis developed earlier in the monograph).
Distributivity-like Results in the Medieval Traditions of Euclid's Elements: Between Geometry and Arithmetic (SpringerBriefs in History of Science and Technology)
by Leo CorryThis book provides a fresh view on an important and largely overlooked aspect of the Euclidean traditions in the medieval mathematical texts, particularly concerning the interrelations between geometry and arithmetic, and the rise of algebraic modes of thought. It appeals to anyone interested in the history of mathematics in general and in history of medieval and early modern science.
Dive Into Data Science: Use Python To Tackle Your Toughest Business Challenges
by Bradford TuckfieldLearn how to use data science and Python to solve everyday business problems.Dive into the exciting world of data science with this practical introduction. Packed with essential skills and useful examples, Dive Into Data Science will show you how to obtain, analyze, and visualize data so you can leverage its power to solve common business challenges.With only a basic understanding of Python and high school math, you&’ll be able to effortlessly work through the book and start implementing data science in your day-to-day work. From improving a bike sharing company to extracting data from websites and creating recommendation systems, you&’ll discover how to find and use data-driven solutions to make business decisions.Topics covered include conducting exploratory data analysis, running A/B tests, performing binary classification using logistic regression models, and using machine learning algorithms.You&’ll also learn how to:Forecast consumer demand Optimize marketing campaignsReduce customer attritionPredict website trafficBuild recommendation systemsWith this practical guide at your fingertips, harness the power of programming, mathematical theory, and good old common sense to find data-driven solutions that make a difference. Don&’t wait; dive right in!
Divergence Operator and Related Inequalities
by Gabriel Acosta Ricardo G. DuránThis Brief is mainly devoted to two classical and related results: the existence of a right inverse of the divergence operator and the so-called Korn Inequalities. It is well known that both results are fundamental tools in the analysis of some classic differential equations, particularly in those arising in fluid dynamics and elasticity. Several connections between these two topics and improved Poincar#65533; inequalities are extensively treated. From simple key ideas the book is growing smoothly in complexity. Beginning with the study of these problems on star-shaped domains the arguments are extended first to John domains and then to H#65533;lder α domains where the need of weighted spaces arises naturally. In this fashion, the authors succeed in presenting in an unified and concise way several classic and recent developments in the field. These features certainly makes this Brief useful for students, post-graduate students, and researchers as well.
Diversity Explosion
by William H. FreyAt its optimistic best, America has embraced its identity as the world's melting pot. Today it is on the cusp of becoming a country with no racial majority, and new minorities are poised to exert a profound impact on U.S. society, economy, and politics. In April 2011 a New York Times headline announced, "Numbers of Children of Whites Falling Fast." As it turns out, that year became the first time in American history that more minority babies than white babies were born. The concept of a "minority white" may instill fear among some Americans, but William H. Frey, the man behind the demographic research, points out that demography is destiny, and the fear of a more racially diverse nation will almost certainly dissipate over time.Through a compelling narrative and eye-catching charts and maps, eminent demographer Frey interprets and expounds on the dramatic growth of minority populations in the United States. He finds that without these expanding groups, America could face a bleak future: this new generation of young minorities, who are having children at a faster rate than whites, is infusing our aging labor force with vitality and innovation.In contrast with the labor force-age population of Japan, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the U.S. labor force-age population is set to grow 5 percent by 2030. Diversity Explosion shares the good news about diversity in the coming decades, and the more globalized, multiracial country that U.S. is becoming.Contents1. A Pivotal Period for Race in America2. Old versus Young: Cultural Generation Gaps3. America's New Racial Map4. Hispanics Fan Out: Who Goes Where?5. Asians in America: The Newest Minority Surge6. The Great Migration of Blacks--In Reverse7. White Population Shifts--A Zero-Sum Game8. Melting Pot Cities and Suburbs9. Neighborhood Segregation: Toward a New Racial Paradigm10. Multiracial Marriages and Multiracial America11. Race and Politics: Expanding the Battleground12. America on the Cuspics Fan Out: Who Goes Where? 5. Asians in America: Where They Matter Most 6. The Great Migration in Reverse 7. Zero-Sum Game: White Gains and Losses 8. Melting Pot Cities and Suburbs 9. Neighborhood Segregation-Delayed Declines 10. Mixed-Race Marriages and Multicultural America 11. Race and Politics: Red, Blue, and Purple States 12. New Racial Demographics and the Nation's Future
Diversity Explosion
by William H. FreyAt its optimistic best, America has embraced its identity as the world's melting pot. Today it is on the cusp of becoming a country with no racial majority, and new minorities are poised to exert a profound impact on U.S. society, economy, and politics. The concept of a "minority white" may instill fear among some Americans, but William H. Frey, the man behind the demographic research, points out that demography is destiny, and the fear of a more racially diverse nation will almost certainly dissipate over time.Through a compelling narrative and eye-catching charts and maps, eminent demographer Frey interprets and expounds on the dramatic growth of minority populations in the United States. He finds that without these expanding groups, America could face a bleak future: this new generation of young minorities, who are having children at a faster rate than whites, is infusing our aging labor force with vitality and innovation. In contrast with the labor force-age population of Japan, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the U.S. labor force-age population is set to grow 5 percent by 2030. Diversity Explosion shares the good news about diversity in the coming decades, and the more globalized, multiracial country that the U.S. is becoming.ContentsA Pivotal Period for Race in AmericaOld versus Young: Cultural Generation GapsAmerica's New Racial MapHispanics Fan Out: Who Goes Where?Asians in America: The Newest Minority SurgeThe Great Migration of Blacks-In ReverseWhite Population Shifts-A Zero-SumMelting Pot Cities and SuburbsNeighborhood Segregation: Toward a New Racial ParadigmMultiracial Marriages and Multiracial AmericaRace and Politics: Expanding the BattlegroundAmerica on the Cusp
Diversity and Disparities: America Enters a New Century
by John LoganThe United States is more diverse than ever before. Increased immigration has added to a vibrant cultural fabric, and women and minorities have made significant strides in overcoming overt discrimination. At the same time, economic inequality has increased significantly in recent decades, and the Great Recession substantially weakened the economic standing not only of the poor but also of the middle class. Diversity and Disparities, edited by sociologist John Logan, assembles impressive new studies that interpret the social and economic changes in the United States over the last decade. The authors, leading social scientists from many disciplines, analyze changes in the labor market, family structure, immigration, and race. They find that while America has grown more diverse, the opportunities available to disadvantaged groups have become more unequal. Drawing on detailed data from the decennial census, the American Community Survey, and other sources, the authors chart the growing diversity and the deepening disparities among different groups in the United States Harry J. Holzer and Marek Hlavac document that although the economy always rises and falls over the business cycle, the Great Recession of 2007–2009 was a catastrophic event that saw record levels of unemployment, especially among less-educated workers, young people, and minorities. Emily Rosenbaum shows how the Great Recession amplified disparities in access to home ownership, and demonstrates that young adults, especially African Americans, are falling behind previous cohorts not only in home ownership and wealth but even in starting their own families and households. Sean F. Reardon and Kendra Bischoff explore the rise of class segregation as higher-income Americans are moving away from others into separate and privileged neighborhoods and communities. Immigration has also seen class polarization, with an increase in both highly skilled workers and undocumented immigrants. As Frank D. Bean and his colleagues show, the lack of a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants inhibits the educational and economic opportunities for their children and grandchildren. Barrett Lee and colleagues demonstrate that the nation and most cities and towns are becoming more diverse by race and ethnicity. However, while black-white segregation is slowly falling, Hispanics and Asians remain as segregated today as they were in 1980. Diversity and Disparities raises concerns about the extent of socioeconomic immobility in the United States today. This volume provides valuable information for policymakers, journalists, and researchers seeking to understand the current state of the nation.
Diversity and Non-integer Differentiation for System Dynamics
by Alain OustaloupBased on a structured approach to diversity, notably inspired by various forms of diversity of natural origins, Diversity and Non-integer Derivation Applied to System Dynamics provides a study framework to the introduction of the non-integer derivative as a modeling tool. Modeling tools that highlight unsuspected dynamical performances (notably damping performances) in an "integer" approach of mechanics and automation are also included. Written to enable a two-tier reading, this is an essential resource for scientists, researchers, and industrial engineers interested in this subject area. Table of Contents:1. From Diversity to Unexpected DynamicPerformance.2. The Robustness of Damping.3. Fractional Differentiation and its Memory.4. CRONE Suspension Idea.5. CRONE Control Idea
Diversity in Mathematics Education
by Alan Bishop Hazel Tan Tasos N BarkatsasThis book presents a research focus on diversity and inclusivity in mathematics education. The challenge of diversity, largely in terms of student profiles or contextual features, is endemic in mathematics education, and is often argued to require differentiation as a response. Typically different curricula, text materials, task structures or pedagogies are favoured responses, but huge differences in achievement still result. If we in mathematics education seek to challenge that status quo, more research must be focussed not just on diversity but also on the inclusivity, of practices in mathematics education. The book is written by a group of experienced collaborating researchers who share this focus. It is written for researchers, research students, teachers and in-service professionals, who recognise both the challenges but also the opportunities of creating and evaluating new inclusive approaches to curriculum and pedagogy - ones that take for granted the positive values of diversity. Several chapters report new research in this direction. The authors are part of, or have visited with, the mathematics education staff of the Faculty of Education at Monash University, in Melbourne, Australia. The chapters all focus on the ideas of development in both research and practice, recognising that the current need is for new inclusive approaches. The studies presented are set in different contexts, including Australia, China, the United States, and Singapore.
Diversity in Survey Questions on the Same Topic
by Tineke De Jonge Ruut Veenhoven Wim KalmijnThis book describes why conventional methods fall short to solve the comparability problem and introduces three successive innovations to overcome these shortcomings. Comparability of results from different surveys using different items for the same topic is greatly hampered by the differences in response scales used. This reduces our accumulation of knowledge and has challenged researchers in the field of survey research for long to develop appropriate methods to transform ratings on different scales to attain comparable results and to correct for effects of changes in measurements and other influencing factors. The three innovations described in this volume are applied to data on happiness and life satisfaction, show better comparability of the survey results concerning the perceptions and opinions of people over time and across nations and at an increased opportunity for meta-analysis on these results.
Diversity of Experimental Methods in Economics
by Toshiji Kawagoe Hirokazu TakizawaThis is the first book that examines the diverse range of experimental methods currently being used in the social sciences, gathering contributions by working economists engaged in experimentation, as well as by a political scientist, psychologists and philosophers of the social sciences. Until the mid-twentieth century, most economists believed that experiments in the economic sciences were impossible. But that’s hardly the case today, as evinced by the fact that Vernon Smith, an experimental economist, and Daniel Kahneman, a behavioral economist, won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2002. However, the current use of experimental methods in economics is more diverse than is usually assumed. As the concept of experimentation underwent considerable abstraction throughout the twentieth century, the areas of the social sciences in which experiments are applied are expanding, creating renewed interest in, and multifaceted debates on, the way experimental methods are used. This book sheds new light on the diversity of experimental methodologies used in the social sciences. The topics covered include historical insights into the evolution of experimental methods; the necessary “performativity” of experiments, i.e., the dynamic interaction with the social contexts in which they are embedded; the application of causal inferences in the social sciences; a comparison of laboratory, field, and natural experiments; and the recent use of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in development economics. Several chapters also deal with the latest heated debates, such as those concerning the use of the random lottery method in laboratory experiments.
Diversity of Functional Traits and Interactions: Perspectives on Community Dynamics (Theoretical Biology)
by Akihiko MougiThis book presents new theoretical perspectives on ecological community dynamics and in so doing casts fresh light on the enduring complexity–stability debate. Real ecological communities do not simply comprise diverse species and interactions, which respectively represented the nodes and links of the classic network theory. Rather, they are characterized by different types of complexity, and this book explains how this diversity of complexity is key to understanding the dynamics of ecological communities. It is shown how various properties in natural communities, such as life history, adaptation, density dependence, sex, interaction types, space, functional traits, and microbial processes, can dramatically increase the complexity in ecological communities. Furthermore, innovative methods are introduced that may be applied to cast light on very complex communities. With each chapter presenting the latest advances and approaches, the book sets the direction for future research on ecological community dynamics. It will be a “must read” for researchers and students in the field of ecology.
Divided Spheres: Geodesics and the Orderly Subdivision of the Sphere
by Edward S. Popko Christopher J. KitrickPraise for the previous edition [. . .] Dr. Popko’s elegant new book extends both the science and the art of spherical modeling to include Computer-Aided Design and applications, which I would never have imagined when I started down this fascinating and rewarding path. His lovely illustrations bring the subject to life for all readers, including those who are not drawn to the mathematics. This book demonstrates the scope, beauty, and utility of an art and science with roots in antiquity. [. . .] Anyone with an interest in the geometry of spheres, whether a professional engineer, an architect or product designer, a student, a teacher, or simply someone curious about the spectrum of topics to be found in this book, will find it helpful and rewarding.– Magnus Wenninger, Benedictine Monk and Polyhedral Modeler Ed Popko's comprehensive survey of the history, literature, geometric, and mathematical properties of the sphere is the definitive work on the subject. His masterful and thorough investigation of every aspect is covered with sensitivity and intelligence. This book should be in the library of anyone interested in the orderly subdivision of the sphere. – Shoji Sadao, Architect, Cartographer and lifelong business partner of Buckminster Fuller Edward Popko's Divided Spheres is a "thesaurus" must to those whose academic interest in the world of geometry looks to greater coverage of synonyms and antonyms of this beautiful shape we call a sphere. The late Buckminster Fuller might well place this manuscript as an all-reference for illumination to one of nature's most perfect inventions. – Thomas T. K. Zung, Senior Partner, Buckminster Fuller, Sadao, & Zung Architects. This first edition of this well-illustrated book presented a thorough introduction to the mathematics of Buckminster Fuller’s invention of the geodesic dome, which paved the way for a flood of practical applications as diverse as weather forecasting and fish farms. The author explained the principles of spherical design and the three classic methods of subdivision based on geometric solids (polyhedra). This thoroughly edited new edition does all that, while also introducing new techniques that extend the class concept by relaxing the triangulation constraint to develop two new forms of optimized hexagonal tessellations. The objective is to generate spherical grids where all edge (or arc) lengths or overlap ratios are equal. New to the Second Edition New Foreword by Joseph Clinton, lifelong Buckminster Fuller collaborator A new chapter by Chris Kitrick on the mathematical techniques for developing optimal single-edge hexagonal tessellations, of varying density, with the smallest edge possible for a particular topology, suggesting ways of comparing their levels of optimization An expanded history of the evolution of spherical subdivision New applications of spherical design in science, product design, architecture, and entertainment New geodesic algorithms for grid optimization New full-color spherical illustrations created using DisplaySphere to aid readers in visualizing and comparing the various tessellations presented in the book Updated Bibliography with references to the most recent advancements in spherical subdivision methods