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Ibn al-Haytham and Analytical Mathematics: A History of Arabic Sciences and Mathematics Volume 2 (Culture and Civilization in the Middle East)
by Roshdi RashedThis volume provides a unique primary source on the history and philosophy of mathematics and the exact sciences in the mediaeval Arab world. The second of five comprehensive volumes, this book offers a detailed exploration of Arabic mathematics in the eleventh century as embodied in the legacy of the celebrated polymath al-Hasan ibn al-Haytham. Extensive analyses and annotations from the eminent scholar, Roshdi Rashed, support a number of key Arabic texts from Ibn al-Haytham’s treatises in infinitesimal mathematics, translated here into English for the first time. Rashed shows how Ibn al-Haytham’s works demonstrate a remarkable mathematical competence in mathematical subjects like the quadrature of the circle and of lunes, the calculation of the volumes of paraboloids, the problem of isoperimetric plane figures and solid figures with equal surface areas, along with the extraction of square and cubic roots. The present text is complemented by the first volume of A History of Arabic Sciences and Mathematics, which focused on founding figures and commentators in the ninth and tenth centuries Archimedean-Apollonian mathematical ‘School of Baghdad’. This constellation of works illustrates the historical and epistemological development of ‘infinitesimal mathematics’ as it became clearly articulated in the oeuvre of Ibn al-Haytham. Contributing to a more informed and balanced understanding of the internal currents of the history of mathematics and the exact sciences in Islam, and of its adaptive interpretation and assimilation in the European context, this fundamental text will appeal to historians of ideas, epistemologists and mathematicians at the most advanced levels of research.
Ibn al-Haytham, New Astronomy and Spherical Geometry: A History of Arabic Sciences and Mathematics Volume 4 (Culture and Civilization in the Middle East)
by Roshdi RashedThis volume provides a unique primary source on the history and philosophy of mathematics and science from the mediaeval Arab world. The fourth volume of A History of Arabic Sciences and Mathematics is complemented by three preceding volumes which focused on infinitesimal determinations and other chapters of classical mathematics. This book includes five main works of the polymath Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen) on astronomy, spherical geometry and trigonometry, plane trigonometry and studies of astronomical instruments on hour lines, horizontal sundials and compasses for great circles. In particular, volume four examines: the increasing tendency to mathematize the inherited astronomy from Greek sources, namely Ptolemy's Almagest; the development of celestial kinematics; new research in spherical geometry and trigonometry required by the new kinematical theory; the study on astronomical instruments and its impact on mathematical research. These new historical materials and their mathematical and historical commentaries contribute to rewriting the history of mathematical astronomy and mathematics from the 11th century on. Including extensive commentary from one of the world’s foremost authorities on the subject, this fundamental text is essential reading for historians and mathematicians at the most advanced levels of research.
Ibn al-Haytham's Geometrical Methods and the Philosophy of Mathematics: A History of Arabic Sciences and Mathematics Volume 5 (Culture and Civilization in the Middle East)
by Roshdi Rashed and J. V. FieldThis fifth volume of A History of Arabic Sciences and Mathematics is complemented by four preceding volumes which focused on the main chapters of classical mathematics: infinitesimal geometry, theory of conics and its applications, spherical geometry, mathematical astronomy, etc. This book includes seven main works of Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen) and of two of his predecessors, Thābit ibn Qurra and al-Sijzī: The circle, its transformations and its properties; Analysis and synthesis: the founding of analytical art; A new mathematical discipline: the Knowns; The geometrisation of place; Analysis and synthesis: examples of the geometry of triangles; Axiomatic method and invention: Thābit ibn Qurra; The idea of an Ars Inveniendi: al-Sijzī. Including extensive commentary from one of the world’s foremost authorities on the subject, this fundamental text is essential reading for historians and mathematicians at the most advanced levels of research.
Ibn al-Haytham's Theory of Conics, Geometrical Constructions and Practical Geometry: A History of Arabic Sciences and Mathematics Volume 3 (Culture and Civilization in the Middle East)
by Roshdi RashedTheory of Conics, Geometrical Constructions and Practical Geometry: A History of Arabic Sciences and Mathematics Volume 3, provides a unique primary source on the history and philosophy of mathematics and science from the mediaeval Arab world. The present text is complemented by two preceding volumes of A History of Arabic Sciences and Mathematics, which focused on founding figures and commentators in the ninth and tenth centuries, and the historical and epistemological development of ‘infinitesimal mathematics’ as it became clearly articulated in the oeuvre of Ibn al-Haytham. This volume examines the increasing tendency, after the ninth century, to explain mathematical problems inherited from Greek times using the theory of conics. Roshdi Rashed argues that Ibn al-Haytham completes the transformation of this ‘area of activity,’ into a part of geometry concerned with geometrical constructions, dealing not only with the metrical properties of conic sections but with ways of drawing them and properties of their position and shape. Including extensive commentary from one of world’s foremost authorities on the subject, this book contributes a more informed and balanced understanding of the internal currents of the history of mathematics and the exact sciences in Islam, and of its adaptive interpretation and assimilation in the European context. This fundamental text will appeal to historians of ideas, epistemologists and mathematicians at the most advanced levels of research.
ICDSMLA 2019: Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Data Science, Machine Learning and Applications (Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering #601)
by Amit Kumar Marcin Paprzycki Vinit Kumar GunjanThis book gathers selected high-impact articles from the 1st International Conference on Data Science, Machine Learning & Applications 2019. It highlights the latest developments in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Soft Computing, Human–Computer Interaction and various data science & machine learning applications. It brings together scientists and researchers from different universities and industries around the world to showcase a broad range of perspectives, practices and technical expertise.
ICDSMLA 2021: Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Data Science, Machine Learning and Applications (Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering #947)
by Amit Kumar Sabrina Senatore Vinit Kumar GunjanThis book gathers selected high-impact articles from the 3rd International Conference on Data Science, Machine Learning & Applications 2021. It highlights the latest developments in the areas of artificial intelligence, machine learning, soft computing, human–computer interaction and various data science and machine learning applications. It brings together scientists and researchers from different universities and industries around the world to showcase a broad range of perspectives, practices and technical expertise.
Iceberg Semantics for Mass Nouns and Count Nouns: A New Framework for Boolean Semantics (Studies in Linguistics and Philosophy #105)
by Fred LandmanIceberg semantics is a new framework of Boolean semantics for mass nouns and count nouns in which the interpretation of a noun phrase rises up from a generating base and floats with its base on its Boolean part set, like an iceberg. The framework is shown to preserve the attractive features of classical Boolean semantics for count nouns; the book argues that Iceberg semantics forms a much better framework for studying mass nouns than the classical theory does. Iceberg semantics uses its notion of base to develop a semantic theory of the differences between mass nouns and count nouns and between different types of mass nouns, in particular between prototypical mass nouns (here called mess mass nouns) like water and mud versus object mass nouns (here called neat mass nouns) like poultry and pottery. The book shows in detail how and why neat mass nouns pattern semantically both with mess mass nouns and with count nouns. Iceberg semantics is a compositional theory and in Iceberg semantics the semantic distinctions defined apply to noun phrases of any complexity. The book studies in depth the semantics of classifier noun phrases (like three glasses of wine) and measure noun phrases (like three liters of wine). The classical wisdom is that classifier interpretations are count. Recent literature has argued compellingly that measure interpretations are mass. The book shows that both connections follow from the basic architecture of Iceberg semantics.Audience: Scholars and students in linguistics - in particular semantics, pragmatics, computational linguistics and syntax – and neighbouring disciplines like logic, philosophy of language, and cognitive science.
ICGG 2018 - Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Geometry and Graphics: 40th Anniversary - Milan, Italy, August 3-7, 2018 (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing #809)
by Luigi CocchiarellaThis book gathers peer-reviewed papers presented at the 18th International Conference on Geometry and Graphics (ICGG), held in Milan, Italy, on August 3-7, 2018. The spectrum of papers ranges from theoretical research to applications, including education, in several fields of science, technology and the arts. The ICGG 2018 mainly focused on the following topics and subtopics: Theoretical Graphics and Geometry (Geometry of Curves and Surfaces, Kinematic and Descriptive Geometry, Computer Aided Geometric Design), Applied Geometry and Graphics (Modeling of Objects, Phenomena and Processes, Applications of Geometry in Engineering, Art and Architecture, Computer Animation and Games, Graphic Simulation in Urban and Territorial Studies), Engineering Computer Graphics (Computer Aided Design and Drafting, Computational Geometry, Geometric and Solid Modeling, Image Synthesis, Pattern Recognition, Digital Image Processing) and Graphics Education (Education Technology Research, Multimedia Educational Software Development, E-learning, Virtual Reality, Educational Systems, Educational Software Development Tools, MOOCs). Given its breadth of coverage, the book introduces engineers, architects and designers interested in computer applications, graphics and geometry to the latest advances in the field, with a particular focus on science, the arts and mathematics education.
ICGG 2024 - Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Geometry and Graphics: Volume 3 (Lecture Notes on Data Engineering and Communications Technologies #218)
by Kazuki TakenouchiThis three-volume book gathers peer-reviewed papers presented at the 21st International Conference on Geometry and Graphics (ICGG 2024), held in Kitakyushu, Japan, from 5 to 9 August 2024. The conference started in 1978 and is promoted by the International Society for Geometry and Graphics, which aims to foster international collaboration and stimulate the scientific research and teaching methodology in the fields of Geometry and Graphics. The ICGG 2024 covered the following five topics taken over from ICGG 2022: Theoretical Graphics and Geometry; Applied Geometry and Graphics; Engineering Computer Graphics; Graphics Education; Geometry and Graphics in History, to which a new section of Related Topics was added in response to the growing body of research on Geometry and Graphics. Volume 3 collects papers on two of these topics, Engineering Computer Graphics and Geometry and Graphics in History, as well as poster papers on all these topics. Given its breadth of coverage, the book will introduce engineers, architects, and designers interested in computer applications, graphics, and geometry to the latest advances in the field, with a particular focus on science, the arts, and mathematics education.
ICGG 2024 - Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Geometry and Graphics: Volume 1 (Lecture Notes on Data Engineering and Communications Technologies #216)
by Kazuki TakenouchiThis three-volume book gathers peer-reviewed papers presented at the 21st International Conference on Geometry and Graphics (ICGG 2024), held in Kitakyushu, Japan, on August 5–9, 2024. The conference started in 1978 and is promoted by the International Society for Geometry and Graphics, which aims to foster international collaboration and stimulate the scientific research and teaching methodology in the fields of Geometry and Graphics. The ICGG 2024 covered the following five topics taken over from ICGG 2022: Theoretical Graphics and Geometry; Applied Geometry and Graphics; Engineering Computer Graphics; Graphics Education; Geometry and Graphics in History, to which a Related Topic section was added in response to the growing body of research on Geometry and Graphics. Volume 1 collects papers on three of these topics: Theoretical Graphics and Geometry, Graphics Education, and Related Topics. Given its breadth of coverage, the book introduces engineers, architects, and designers interested in computer applications, graphics, and geometry to the latest advances in the field, with a particular focus on science, the arts, and mathematics education.
ICGG 2024 - Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Geometry and Graphics: Volume 2 (Lecture Notes on Data Engineering and Communications Technologies #217)
by Kazuki TakenouchiThis three-volume book gathers peer-reviewed papers presented at the 21st International Conference on Geometry and Graphics (ICGG 2024), held in Kitakyushu, Japan, from 5 to 9 August 2024. The conference started in 1978 and is promoted by the International Society for Geometry and Graphics, which aims to foster international collaboration and stimulate the scientific research and teaching methodology in the fields of Geometry and Graphics. The ICGG 2024 covered the following five topics taken over from ICGG 2022: Theoretical Graphics and Geometry; Applied Geometry and Graphics; Engineering Computer Graphics; Graphics Education; Geometry and Graphics in History, to which a new section of Related Topics was added in response to the growing body of research on Geometry and Graphics. Volume 2 contains papers on Applied Geometry and Graphics among these topics. Given its breadth of coverage, the book will introduce engineers, architects, and designers interested in computer applications, graphics, and geometry to the latest advances in the field, with a particular focus on science, the arts, and mathematics education.
The Icky Bug Counting Book (Jerry Pallotta's Counting Books)
by Jerry PallottaLearn to count in this &“icky&” introduction to bugs and numbers. For most children, insects and the small world they inhabit is endlessly creepy, crawly, and fascinating. Best-selling author Jerry Pallotta delivers a fun first concepts book that uncovers the wild world of bugs and insects. From the Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly to Yellowjacket Flies, readers will learn intriguing facts while practicing their numbers. Pallotta&’s signature witty yet scientific text paired with Masiello&’s vivid and detailed illustrations makes this exploration of all things creepy-crawly one that will keep readers engaged and curious as they learn about the natural world of bugs.
ICT Analysis and Applications (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #314)
by Nilanjan Dey Amit Joshi Simon FongThis book proposes new technologies and discusses future solutions for ICT design infrastructures, as reflected in high-quality papers presented at the 6th International Conference on ICT for Sustainable Development (ICT4SD 2021), held in Goa, India, on 5–6 August 2021. The book covers the topics such as big data and data mining, data fusion, IoT programming toolkits and frameworks, green communication systems and network, use of ICT in smart cities, sensor networks and embedded system, network and information security, wireless and optical networks, security, trust, and privacy, routing and control protocols, cognitive radio and networks, and natural language processing. Bringing together experts from different countries, the book explores a range of central issues from an international perspective.
ICT Analysis and Applications: Proceedings of ICT4SD 2022 (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #517)
by Simon Fong Nilanjan Dey Amit JoshiThis book proposes new technologies and discusses future solutions for ICT design infrastructures, as reflected in high-quality papers presented at the 7th International Conference on ICT for Sustainable Development (ICT4SD 2022), held in Goa, India, on July 29–30, 2022. The book covers the topics such as big data and data mining, data fusion, IoT programming toolkits and frameworks, green communication systems and network, use of ICT in smart cities, sensor networks and embedded system, network and information security, wireless and optical networks, security, trust, and privacy, routing and control protocols, cognitive radio and networks, and natural language processing. Bringing together experts from different countries, the book explores a range of central issues from an international perspective.
ICT and Primary Mathematics: A Teacher's Guide
by Nick Easingwood John WilliamsThis book is for teachers who are looking for interesting and practical ways to incorporate ICT into their daily lesson plans. It shows how ICT can be used as a tool for mathematics, but more importantly how its proper use can enhance the mathematics being taught. The authors cover all current aspects of ICT and mathematics, including: databases spreadsheets logo and the use of floor turtles and control technology handling of resources including interactive whiteboards management of ICT within the classroom how ICT can be used to present mathematical topics and links to other areas of the curriculum. With plenty of suggestions on how to use the software and hardware described in the book, this is a useful resource for all primary teachers, particularly subject co-ordinators for ICT and mathematics. It will also be of interest to students on PGCE and Initial Teacher Training courses.
ICT Innovations 2023. Learning: 15th International Conference, ICT Innovations 2023, Ohrid, North Macedonia, September 24–26, 2023, Proceedings (Communications in Computer and Information Science #1991)
by Marija Mihova Mile JovanovThis book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 15th International Conference on ICT Innovations 2023. Learning: Humans, Theory, Machines, and Data, ICT Innovations 2023, held in Ohrid, North Macedonia during September 24–26, 2023.The 17 full papers included in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 52 submissions. They are organized in sections by topics as follows: AI and natural language processing; bioinformatics; dew computing; e-learning and e-services; image processing; network science; theoretical informatics.
ICT Innovations 2024. TechConvergence: 16th International Conference, ICT Innovations 2024, Ohrid, North Macedonia, September 28–30, 2024, Proceedings (Communications in Computer and Information Science #2436)
by Biljana Risteska Stojkoska Smilka Janeska SarkanjacThis CCIS post conference volume constitutes the proceedings of the 16th International Conference on ICT Innovations, ICT Innovations 2024, held in Ohrid, North Macedonia, in September 2024. The 21 full papers included in this book were carefully reviewed and selected from 61 submissions. The papers covered a wide range of topics, including machine learning, network science, digital transformation, natural language processing.
Ideal Theoretic Methods in Commutative Algebra (Lecture Notes in Pure and Applied Mathematics)
by Daniel D. Anderson Ira J. PapickIncludes current work of 38 renowned contributors that details the diversity of thought in the fields of commutative algebra and multiplicative ideal theory. Summarizes recent findings on classes of going-down domains and the going-down property, emphasizing new characterizations and applications, as well as generalizations for commutative rings wi
Ideals of Powers and Powers of Ideals: Intersecting Algebra, Geometry, and Combinatorics (Lecture Notes of the Unione Matematica Italiana #27)
by Enrico Carlini Huy Tài Hà Brian Harbourne Adam Van TuylThis book discusses regular powers and symbolic powers of ideals from three perspectives– algebra, combinatorics and geometry – and examines the interactions between them. It invites readers to explore the evolution of the set of associated primes of higher and higher powers of an ideal and explains the evolution of ideals associated with combinatorial objects like graphs or hypergraphs in terms of the original combinatorial objects. It also addresses similar questions concerning our understanding of the Castelnuovo-Mumford regularity of powers of combinatorially defined ideals in terms of the associated combinatorial data. From a more geometric point of view, the book considers how the relations between symbolic and regular powers can be interpreted in geometrical terms. Other topics covered include aspects of Waring type problems, symbolic powers of an ideal and their invariants (e.g., the Waldschmidt constant, the resurgence), and the persistence of associated primes.
Ideals, Varieties, and Algorithms: An Introduction to Computational Algebraic Geometry and Commutative Algebra (Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics)
by David A. Cox John Little Donal O'SheaThis text covers topics in algebraic geometry and commutative algebra with a strong perspective toward practical and computational aspects. The first four chapters form the core of the book. A comprehensive chart in the Preface illustrates a variety of ways to proceed with the material once these chapters are covered. In addition to the fundamentals of algebraic geometry--the elimination theorem, the extension theorem, the closure theorem and the Nullstellensatz--this new edition incorporates several substantial changes, all of which are listed in the Preface. The largest revision incorporates a new Chapter (ten), which presents some of the essentials of progress made over the last decades in computing Gröbner bases. The book also includes current computer algebra material in Appendix C and updated independent projects (Appendix D). The book may serve as a first or second course in undergraduate abstract algebra and with some supplementation perhaps, for beginning graduate level courses in algebraic geometry or computational algebra. Prerequisites for the reader include linear algebra and a proof-oriented course. It is assumed that the reader has access to a computer algebra system. Appendix C describes features of Maple(tm), Mathematica® and Sage, as well as other systems that are most relevant to the text. Pseudocode is used in the text; Appendix B carefully describes the pseudocode used. From the reviews of previous editions: ". . . The book gives an introduction to Buchberger's algorithm with applications to syzygies, Hilbert polynomials, primary decompositions. There is an introduction to classical algebraic geometry with applications to the ideal membership problem, solving polynomial equations and elimination theory. . . . The book is well-written. . . . The reviewer is sure that it will be an excellent guide to introduce further undergraduates in the algorithmic aspect of commutative algebra and algebraic geometry. " --Peter Schenzel, zbMATH, 2007 "I consider the book to be wonderful. . . . The exposition is very clear, there are many helpful pictures and there are a great many instructive exercises, some quite challenging . . . offers the heart and soul of modern commutative and algebraic geometry. " --The American Mathematical Monthly
Identifiability and Observability in Epidemiological Models: A Primer (SpringerBriefs on PDEs and Data Science)
by Alain Rapaport Nik Cunniffe Frédéric Hamelin Abderrahman Iggidr Gauthier SalletThis book introduces the concepts of identifiability and observability in mathematical epidemiology, as well as those of observers’ constructions. It first exposes and illustrates on several examples the mathematical definitions and properties of observability and identifiability. A chapter is dedicated to the well-known Kermack McKendrick model, for which the complete analysis of identifiability and observability is not available in the literature. Then, several techniques of observer constructions, in view of online estimation of state and parameters, are presented and deployed on several models. New developments relevant for applications in epidemiology are also given. Finally, practical considerations are discussed with data and numerical simulations related to models previously analysed in the book. The book will be appealing to epidemiological modellers and mathematicians working on models in epidemiology.This book contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3): Good Health and Well Being.
Identifiability and Regression Analysis of Biological Systems Models: Statistical and Mathematical Foundations and R Scripts (SpringerBriefs in Statistics)
by Paola LeccaThis richly illustrated book presents the objectives of, and the latest techniques for, the identifiability analysis and standard and robust regression analysis of complex dynamical models. The book first provides a definition of complexity in dynamic systems by introducing readers to the concepts of system size, density of interactions, stiff dynamics, and hybrid nature of determination. In turn, it presents the mathematical foundations of and algorithmic procedures for model structural and practical identifiability analysis, multilinear and non-linear regression analysis, and best predictor selection.Although the main fields of application discussed in the book are biochemistry and systems biology, the methodologies described can also be employed in other disciplines such as physics and the environmental sciences. Readers will learn how to deal with problems such as determining the identifiability conditions, searching for an identifiable model, and conducting their own regression analysis and diagnostics without supervision. Featuring a wealth of real-world examples, exercises, and codes in R, the book addresses the needs of doctoral students and researchers in bioinformatics, bioengineering, systems biology, biophysics, biochemistry, the environmental sciences and experimental physics. Readers should be familiar with the fundamentals of probability and statistics (as provided in first-year university courses) and a basic grasp of R.
Identifiability and Regression Analysis of Biological Systems Models: Statistical and Mathematical Foundations and R Scripts (SpringerBriefs in Statistics)
by Paola LeccaThis richly illustrated book presents the latest techniques for the identifiability analysis and standard and robust regression analysis of complex dynamical models, and looks at their objectives. It begins by providing a definition of complexity in dynamic systems, introducing the concepts of system size, density of interactions, stiff dynamics, and the hybrid nature of determination. The discussion then turns to the mathematical foundations of model structural and practical identifiability analysis, multilinear and non-linear regression analysis, and best predictor selection, and their algorithmic procedures. Although the featured examples mainly focus on applications to biochemistry and systems biology, the methodologies described can also be employed in other disciplines such as physics and the environmental sciences. Readers will learn how to determine identifiability conditions, how to search for an identifiable model, and how to conduct their own regression analysis and diagnostics without supervision. This new edition includes a concise, yet comprehensive treatment of the main artificial intelligence methods which can be used for parameter inference in models of complex dynamic biological systems. It emphasizes the most efficient solutions for generating synthetic data that augment the training data and which are indispensable for machine learning procedures. Featuring a wealth of real-world examples, exercises, and R codes, the book addresses the needs of doctoral students and researchers in bioinformatics, bioengineering, systems biology, biophysics, biochemistry, the environmental sciences and experimental physics. Familiarity with the fundamentals of probability and statistics (as provided in first-year university courses) and a basic grasp of R are assumed.
Identification and Other Probabilistic Models: Rudolf Ahlswede’s Lectures on Information Theory 6 (Foundations in Signal Processing, Communications and Networking #16)
by Rudolf AhlswedeThe sixth volume of Rudolf Ahlswede's lectures on Information Theory is focused on Identification Theory. In contrast to Shannon's classical coding scheme for the transmission of a message over a noisy channel, in the theory of identification the decoder is not really interested in what the received message is, but only in deciding whether a message, which is of special interest to him, has been sent or not. There are also algorithmic problems where it is not necessary to calculate the solution, but only to check whether a certain given answer is correct. Depending on the problem, this answer might be much easier to give than finding the solution. ``Easier'' in this context means using fewer resources like channel usage, computing time or storage space. Ahlswede and Dueck's main result was that, in contrast to transmission problems, where the possible code sizes grow exponentially fast with block length, the size of identification codes will grow doubly exponentially fast. The theory of identification has now developed into a sophisticated mathematical discipline with many branches and facets, forming part of the Post Shannon theory in which Ahlswede was one of the leading experts. New discoveries in this theory are motivated both by concrete engineering problems and by explorations of the inherent properties of the mathematical structures. Rudolf Ahlswede wrote: It seems that the whole body of present day Information Theory will undergo serious revisions and some dramatic expansions. In this book we will open several directions of future research and start the mathematical description of communication models in great generality. For some specific problems we provide solutions or ideas for their solutions. The lectures presented in this work, which consists of 10 volumes, are suitable for graduate students in Mathematics, and also for those working in Theoretical Computer Science, Physics, and Electrical Engineering with a background in basic Mathematics. The lectures can be used as the basis for courses or to supplement courses in many ways. Ph.D. students will also find research problems, often with conjectures, that offer potential subjects for a thesis. More advanced researchers may find questions which form the basis of entire research programs. The book also contains an afterword by Gunter Dueck.
Identification Problems in the Social Sciences
by Charles F. ManskiThis book provides a language and a set of tools for finding bounds on the predictions that social and behavioral scientists can logically make from nonexperimental and experimental data. The economist Charles F. Manski draws on examples from criminology, demography, epidemiology, social psychology, and sociology as well as economics to illustrate this language and to demonstrate the broad usefulness of the tools. There are many traditional ways to present identification problems in econometrics, sociology, and psychometrics. Some of these are primarily statistical in nature, using concepts such as flat likelihood functions and nondistinct parameter estimates. Manski’s strategy is to divorce identification from purely statistical concepts and to present the logic of identification analysis in ways that are accessible to a wide audience in the social and behavioral sciences. In each case, problems are motivated by real examples with real policy importance, the mathematics is kept to a minimum, and the deductions on identifiability are derived giving fresh insights. Manski begins with the conceptual problem of extrapolating predictions from one population to some new population or to the future. He then analyzes in depth the fundamental selection problem that arises whenever a scientist tries to predict the effects of treatments on outcomes. He carefully specifies assumptions and develops his nonparametric methods of bounding predictions. Manski shows how these tools should be used to investigate common problems such as predicting the effect of family structure on children’s outcomes and the effect of policing on crime rates. Successive chapters deal with topics ranging from the use of experiments to evaluate social programs, to the use of case-control sampling by epidemiologists studying the association of risk factors and disease, to the use of intentions data by demographers seeking to predict future fertility. The book closes by examining two central identification problems in the analysis of social interactions: the classical simultaneity problem of econometrics and the reflection problem faced in analyses of neighborhood and contextual effects.